YOUNG active competitors will be swimming against each other in next week's District's Primary Schools' Gala.

This annual event, organised by Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Sports Development team, sees pupils compete in one of four Regional Galas around the District.

The Grand Finals' night will be staged at Stratford Leisure and Visitor Centre on Saturday, April 19.

Teams will consist of Year 6 and Year 5 girls and boys who will swim against their year group.

Due to the high number of scho-ols entered, two mixed ability Stratford teams will be formed allowing more swimmers to make it to the final.

There's action in the pool at Stratford Leisure Centre on Tuesday between 9.15 and 11.30am and later in the day at Shipston between 1.15 and 3.30pm.

The next morning, pupils will be in the pool at Southam Leisure Centre from 9.30am and Studley Leisure Centre is the venue next Thursday, February 28 between 9.30 and 11.30am.

"This year a total of 48 out of 61 of the District's Primary schools, or 79 per cent, will have taken part in these galas.

This is 20 per cent more schools participating than the previous year and represents a great improvement by the District Council's Sports Development Team at encouraging activity," said Councillor Chris Williams, Portfolio for Community Service.

"This primary school swimming gala contributes to fulfilling one of the corporate aims of keeping the District active. Targeting young people at an early age and encouraging them to be active is very important."