Don Leatherbarrow from Ross-on-Wye, has more reason than most to be thankful that the Ross Swimming Pool is open again. He trains regularly, at least four or five times a week and travelling to other swimming pools, while Ross was closed, became very time consuming.

Don, who is 77, is a member of the Gloucester Masters Swimming Club and swims for Gloucester at regular Masters Championships.

On Sunday, November 15th he competed in the South West inter-counties Masters which took place at Weston Super Mare.

Bringing together six counties, Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, the event is arranged in seven age groups from 18 years to over 65. This meant Don was competing in some cases with swimmers 12 years his junior. He told the Ross Gazette that at this age it makes a big difference to your speed. He said that there are fewer swimmers over 65. All the races are over a 50m length and divided between ladies and gents.

Don took part in the 50m breaststroke relay, the 50m front crawl and the 50m front crawl for individuals, in which he came third.

The results are based on a points system and he said only five points divided the winning teams. The Gloucestershire team managed to win thanks to their success in the final relay races.

Don really enjoys his training sessions at Ross. He told the Gazette that he meets up with other swimmers regularly. Although they take their training seriously they also enjoy the social aspects of working together.