WINSFORD Swim Team members hope to take a final opportunity to make the cut for a national championship this weekend.

More than a dozen youngsters have entered the Swim North West Open Water Festival at Salford Quays, where they can secure a spot in the field for next month’s nationals.

Four Winsford swimmers – Rory Armitt, Jay Cushen, Lottie Howman and Henry Oliver – have already qualified.

However three of those plan to be action again on Saturday, when county and regional honours are on offer.

“The incentive this weekend is for others to do what they have,” said head coach Dan Goodwin.

Abbie Christopherson, Alexander Clarke, Oscar Jolliffe, Jonathan Mullett and Theo Oliver join Armitt and Howman in racing over 1,500m in the under 14s age category.

Meanwhile Henry Oliver competes over 3,000m along with fellow under 16s James Adamson, Abbey Brown, Alexander Moss and Alissa Blackshaw.

Rebecca Alderman and Eleanor O’Grady complete the Winsford contingent in a 5,000m race for swimmers aged 17 and over.

On Sunday, Winsford Swim Team send 14 swimmers to represent the North Midlands at the annual Inter Association Gala in Blackpool.

Christoperson and Howman are among them, along with six other girls.

They are Sophie Grindley, Lily Harwood, Izzy Kay, Olivia Morley, Charlotte Mullett and Liadan Wilkes.

Armitt, Cushen and Mullett are in the boys’ squad along with Keaton Haydon, Will Line, Lewis Turner and Adam Wright.

Goodwin said: “To be selected is a fantastic achievement considering how large an area our association covers.

“It’s also great for me to see so many of our swimmers make the grade in what is a competitive region too.

“I know they’ll all jump at the chance to represent the North Midlands, and also our club, to the highest order.”