ABINGDON Vale secured two golds in a promising start to the Oxfordshire & North Buckinghamshire Championships.

The club claimed an impressive haul of five medals at Aqua Vale in Aylesbury.

Lottie James, 13, came first in the 400m individual medley in a club record time.

Vale enjoyed more success in the girls’ age group relays.

Their 11-12 year old team of Bethan Lillistone, Zoe Spokes, Kelsey Sym and Amber Freeman were never troubled in the 4x50m medley race, as each of them pulled further away from the opposition, winning by more than six seconds.

The freestyle relay was a tighter affair with the Vale team of Liesl De Reuver, Freeman, Sym and Lillistone having to settle for silver.

Their other medals both came from Joshua Tucker, 12, who took bronze in the 400m freestyle and 400m individual medley.

In addition, there were top eight placings for James, Rhian Casey, Natalia Druett, Thomas Wilsher, Lillistone and Theodora Wornham.

Bicester Blue Fins produced some strong displays, but no medals.

The boys’ under 11-12 team secured fifth place in the freestyle relay, with Frankie Oliver stepping up to fill in for an injured teammate.

Club captain Freddie Whybrow, 18, took an impressive eight seconds off his personal best in the 1,500m freestyle.

Tim Walker, 12, knocked 11 seconds off his pb in the 400m freestyle, while Matty Thornley and Ryan Mackenzie both bettered their best times by eight seconds.

Josh Rowland went sub-five minutes in the 400m individual medley.