St Bedes sea The 16-year-old was in a class of his own and recorded an emphatic victory in a time of 24 min. 56 sec. over Andrew Horsefall-Turner also of St. Bede's.

Andy clocked 26 min.11 sec. which for a 13-year-old was a superb result in a field of 68 male entrants. Taunton's Chris Walsh (17) took the men's third spot in 27 min. 40 sec. and Eastbourne's Pete Snashall (28) was placed a highly credible fourth in 27 min. 52 sec.

The ladies event was also dominated by juniors with 15-year-old Claire Hayward from Eastleigh winning in an outstanding time of 26 min. 12 sec. Danielle Lucy Prior (15) of Tunbridge Wells and Laura Austin (16) from Dover provided the most exciting finish with only one second splitting them in second (26 min. 46 sec.) and third positions respectively.

Last year's champion Sarah Knapman of Eastbourne, at a relatively ancient 35 years did well to secure fourth in 27 min. 14 sec. ahead of Dominika Szucsova (13) of Dover and many other of the South East Regions best young swimmers.

However, Sarah was the clear winner of the 35~44 year age group over another local Anna Geal. Eastbourne's Jane Thomas clocked 31 min. 6 sec, some five minutes ahead of her closest rival to triumph in the ladies' 45~54 category.

Another local Christine Brooks lifted the 55~64 years trophy in a sprightly 32 min. 8sec, and Lynda Miller finished third in this age classification.

In the men's age awards there were wins for Eastbourne's Pete Snashall (25~34 years), Rod Miller (55~64 years), and David Cumming (65~74 years).

James Rann and Gary Brickley swam superbly to lift second and third places in the very competitive 35~44 year category with 17 entrants.
The 45~54 year group was equally as tough and Dale Martin's needed all his renowned stamina to hold onto second place.

Sunday's race was the second in the ASA South East Open Water Grand Prix 2007 series of five events. Nick Ayer's win has put him on top of both Open and Junior (13~16 years) men's tables.

Ed Castro of St. Bede's heads the 17~24 years category and is secondin the Open. At this stage of the Grand Prix Kyra Wall and Pete Snashall (25~34 years), Sarah Knapman and James Rand (35~44 years), Jane Thomas (45~54 years), Christine Brooks and Rod Miller (55~64 years), and David Cumming (65 years+) are all in the lead of their respective age boards indicating the strength of local open water swimming.

Mayor Mary Pooley made the presentations assisted by James Brent, president of Eastbourne Swimming Club.