Myrtle Park, Bingley Grammar and Hothfield Junior have won the main team prizes at the Bingley Schools' Gala at Shipley Pool.

Silsden-based Hothfield Junior lifted the Relay Championship, Myrtle Park edged out Wilsden in a thrilling race for the leading primary school, and Bingley were crowned secondary school champions.

The margin between Myrtle Park and Wilsden was a mere half-point after the finals night, which came after two semi-finals nights.

In all, 12 primary schools and four secondary schools from the Bingley and Keighley area took part in what was the 17th successive year that Bingley Amateur Swimming Club have organised the gala.

But due to the popularity of the gala over the years, including the amount of parents and relatives wanting to attend, the number of nights has been increased from one to three.

The schools are given access to one of the club's four training nights at either Bingley Pool or Bingley Grammar School.

In total, it is estimated that over 5,000 youngsters have competed, and entries are increasing year on year.

And all participants receive certificates, while medals and pennants go to the top six primary and secondary schools, with the leading three schools at primary and secondary level getting replica trophies.

However, the whole emphasis of the event is low-key in order to encourage as many pupils as possible to enter.

Enjoyment is a key factor, with another benefit being building up team spirit within schools.

Also, of course, a spin-off for the organising club will hopefully be increased membership, and Bingley Amateur Swimming Club are following up the gala by inviting schools to take part in specially organised training events.

Then discussions will take place as to how the club can work alongside the school to promote swimming and physical exercise in general.

Among the guests to have presented prizes at the gala in the past have been Anne Cryer MP, Christopher Leslie MP, Bradford Council's principal swimming development manager Sheila Denison and Bradford Council's head of sport and leisure Steve Warner.

Gala results - Primary schools, first semi-final (leading six schools to qualify for final): Wilsden 136, Eldwick 119, Denholme 111, St Walburga's 108, Saltaire 99, Low Ash 87, Harden 83, Oakworth 63, Shipley 51. Second semi-final (leading six schools to qualify for final): Myrtle Park 145, Hothfield Junior 128, Nessfield 110, Crossflatts 105, Cottingley 100, St Joseph's 89, High Crags 72, Oxenhope 66, Trinity & All Saints 49. Final: Myrtle Park 149, Wilsden 148, Hothfield Junior 126, Saltaire 112, Nessfield 110, Eldwick 97, Denholme 96, St Walburga's 94, Crossflatts 92, St Joseph's 79, Cottingley Village 74, Low Ash 70. Secondary Schools: Bingley Grammar 188, Parkside 176, Beckfoot Grammar 69. Relay Championship: Hothfield Junior 1min 18.00sec, Low Ash 1-26.03, Wilsden 1-27.92, Eldwick 1-36.00. Disqualified: Myrtle Park 1-25.22 (for faulty changeover).