Hucknall Leisure Centre hosted the 28th Robin Hood synchronised swimming competition at the start of this month (Sunday 1 May).

The competition, which hadn't been held for four years due to the Coronavirus pandemic and before that an issue with the pool, was organised by Hucknall resident Livvy Shelton who is the head coach of Green Arrows Artistic Swimming Club.

Swimmers from a total of seven clubs across the country, including from as far south as Kent and as far east as Norwich, participated in the competition.

This was the first time that Ms Shelton had organised the event but she was really pleased with the end result.

Speaking exclusively to Hucknall Nub News, she said: "I've been to competitions, so I knew what was involved but it was very overwhelming knowing that I was organising our competition that we host, and it was my first competition that I ever competed in as well.

"I took a step back while I was watching it unfold. I stood back on poolside and just looked around, took it all in and thought I've done that.

"Obviously on the day (I was) grateful to all the judges and the officials which without them it wouldn't be able to be run, people give up their free time to help me out which obviously I'm very very grateful for.

"It was very successful and I had a lot of positive feedback from clubs who can't wait to come back next year as well.

"The Leisure Centre as always were amazing; really supportive. Charlotte Marsh helped me out with the organisation of it, making sure everything was on poolside for me within the plan I sorted out a few weeks before with her, the lifeguards were there ready to help out."

In the pool, there was lots of silverware won by Ms Shelton's team. Silver medals went to the Green Arrows' 12 and under duet and their 15-18 duet as well as the 15-18 team, which is the senior team.

The 13-18 combo team scooped a bronze medal to add to the team's collection, which was even more impressive given that the majority of the swimmers in that team were competing for the very first time.

Asked about the performance of her team, Ms Shelton added: "It was amazing, I was the proudest I've ever been."

The Green Arrows, who train at Nottingham Boy's High School, are still looking to recruit more swimmers. Anyone interested in joining should visit the club's website by clicking here.