Dunmow Atlantis swimmers headed to Basildon for the Winter Counties event - their first gala in almost two years.

Swimming against clubs from across Essex, the return to competition did not affect or deter the Dunmo contingent as they not only smashed personal best times but many picked up Essex county and east region qualifying times.

The icing on the cake were a flurry of medals and top eight places.

Dunmow Broadcast: Daisy Russell of Dunmow Atlantis at the Essex Winter Championships.Daisy Russell of Dunmow Atlantis at the Essex Winter Championships. (Image: Dunmow Atlantis Swimming Club)

Head Coach Darren Tucker said: "This was an emphatic return for the club and they came out fighting for times straight away.

"Each swimmer put aside any worries about getting back in the water and gave superb performances across the board.

"I am so proud of them all."

Dunmow Broadcast: Daisy Herrington of Dunmow Atlantis at the Essex Winter Championships.Daisy Herrington of Dunmow Atlantis at the Essex Winter Championships. (Image: Dunmow Atlantis Swimming Club)

The Dunmow squad was made up of Aaron Peirce, Luisa Carey, sisters Charlotte and Lexi Roberts, Bertie Warnes, Patrick Winnington, Damon Elliott, brothers Samuel and Henry Pertwee, Jodie Thompson, Zoe Lloyd-Rossi, Daisy Russell, Dylan Nutt, Josh Toms, Evan McQuade, Eva Stuart, Daisy Herrington, Becky Johnson and Sophie Taylor.

Dunmow Broadcast: Dylan Nutt of Dunmow Atlantis at the Essex Winter Championships.Dylan Nutt of Dunmow Atlantis at the Essex Winter Championships. (Image: Dunmow Atlantis Swimming Club)

For more information on the club, go to www.dunmowatlantis.co.uk