PARALYMPIC champion Liz Johnson was the guest of honour at the City of Newport’s annual Primary Schools Swim Gala at Newport International Sports Village.

With over 400 children competing in 29 primary school teams from across Newport, it was the busiest gala yet.

After an opening address from Newport’s deputy mayor Phil Hourahine, the gala got underway with a freestyle relay, followed by breaststroke, kick, woggle and lifesaving relays throughout the day.

Newport-born star Johnson presented the children with their trophies and participation certificates.

This academic year has seen 43 primary schools and more than 2,600 children and students attend swim lessons as part of the school swim programme at Newport Live’s venues – the Active Living Centre, Newport Centre, and Newport International Sports Village.

Barrie Swift, Newport Live’s aquatic development officer, said: “The swim gala is a celebration of all the children’s hard work and achievements throughout 2017 and 2018, and it’s been great to have more participants this year than ever before.

“It’s been a pleasure to witness so many primary school children benefit from our programme, and we look forward to seeing how they will continue to develop their aquatic skills in the future.”

After a busy day of events, Charles William’s second team emerged triumphant as the overall winners of the gala, while Rogerstone Primary placed second, and Langstone Primary took third place.