SWIMMERS from Pioneer 79 are celebrating again after proving themselves East Lancashire’s top club.

Pioneer 79, which is based at Hyndburn Sports Centre and also trains at QEGS, Blackburn, has taken top honours in a series of key events.

Having secured the Bolton and District Centenary Championship mid-season in 2009, their form continued in landing the North Lancashire Friendly League title in an unbeaten series of head-to-head match-ups.

The club’s younger swimmers then went up against the region’s best in the Bolton and District Mini League, where they were crowned A-League Champions for the second time.

But their biggest result was saved until last in the Arena National Swimming League.

Having competed well in qualifying rounds, Pioneer 79 went on to take third place in the North West B Final, the highest position of any club in East Lancashire.

Club chairman Steve Makin said: "Once again we have proved we are the team to beat in East Lancashire, and our stock at county and regional levels continues to rise.

"The result in the National League was particularly important to us as we are up against the very best squads and the very best swimmers.

"Our guys competed against GB Olympic swimmers in the National League, and that makes our achievements all the sweeter."

The pace for 2010 shows no sign of slowing.

Steve added: "As we move into another hectic schedule of events for 2010, we are already seeing some fantastic results coming through.

"It’s another big year for us, but we are determined to hold on to our status as East Lancashire’s key player in the pool."

Among those results has been a haul of medals at the Bolton and District Championships, while five of the club’s senior swimmers represented Lancashire in the national inter-counties masters tournament.

Pioneer 79 has 350 swimming members ranging from four-year-olds in their Learn To Swim Groups, to competitive masters swimmers in their 50s.

Limited places in the Learn to Swim groups are now available.

For details call Susan Walsh on 01254 390793. Swimmers who wish to join the club, at any level, can arrange a trial by calling the same number. For details, visit www.pioneer79.org.uk