Three top Olympic swimmers made a splash with park home residents in Lancashire this month when they were welcomed as VIP guests at a special swimming gala.

The event took place at Acresfield Health Club and Spa, adjacent to Acresfield Residential Park and the adjoining Wyre Vale Residential Park in the market town of Garstang.

The gala was the first to be held at the club since it opened three years ago, and saw the three Olympians each captain their own individual teams in a friendly swimming contest.

They were Rebecca Adlington OBE, one of Britain’s best-known female athletes; Stephanie Slater MBE, Paralympic medallist from Rio 2016; and Rob Bale, GB team member from London 2012.

In the event, it was Rebecca’s team which came top, and members stood proudly in line to be presented by her with a commemorative trophy.

As well as leading Acresfield’s sporting challenge, the Olympic swimmers also took part in a Q&A session with residents and other members of the club.

Helping to organise the event was the club’s head coach Ian Kirk, and Acresfield director Sophie Ward who is herself a former GB youth swimmer and medallist.  ‘It was a fantastic occasion, and everyone was thrilled to get the chance to meet the three high-achieving Olympians, and to learn more about their achievements,’ said Sophie.

‘Everyone had been looking forward to the gala for a long time, and we’re so grateful that Rebecca, Stephanie and Rob were able to take time out to join us.

‘Swimming is a fantastic activity to enjoy at any time in life, especially later on, and brings a whole range of different benefits, both physical and mental,’ added Sophie.

Acresfield Residential Park and Wyre Vale Residential Park are both owned and managed by the Ward family, and are set in tranquil landscaped surroundings not far from Lancaster.

In addition to the 15-metre pool, the club’s facilities include a gymnasium with state-of-the-art exercise technology, dance and fitness classes, badminton, and indoor bowls.

The club’s spa provides three treatment rooms attended by professional practitioners, and there is also a hair studio and a popular bistro for refreshments.

Residents also often meet at the club to attend one of the many social events which are organised by the parks throughout the year.  There is more information about both parks at www.resiparks.co.uk.