The youngsters were taking part in a gruelling swimming training camp – and they weren't allowed to rest on the laurels.

South Tyneside Swimming head coach Ken Nesworthy said: "This definitely wasn't a holiday for the 21 athletes who took part in the swim training camp.

"It was structured around education and hard physical work.

"Long course training in a 50m pool is an essential part of any swimmers's development.

"It's ironic that a new 50m pool has opened a short distance away, yet we are being denied access to it, so we will continue to look for other opportunities to gain training time in 50m pools where we can.

The athletes were put through their paces in two, two-hour vigorous training sessions in the 50m pool in Palma, Majorca, each day.

Nesworthy thanked those schools who had contributed towards the cost of the training session from gifted and talented funds, and also thanked the Tesco store in Jarrow for allowing a bag packing event to raise funds for the trip, as well as parents who had made a significant contribution too.

He said: "The support of schools, business and parents is vital to enable us to do this kind of thing and the club and athletes are incredibly grateful.

"The good behaviour and manners of the youngsters from South Tyneside in and around the camp at Ports Nous was, as always, first-class, with several positive comments from visitors and staff at the complex in Spain.