A THRILLING finish by swim stars from Lochgelly High saw them claim a dramatic Kingdom inter-schools meet title.

Their team of talented youngsters were in action at the 39th Fife Inter-Schools Gala for swimmers with additional support needs.

Hosted by Lochgelly, nine secondaries took part with newcomers Auchmuty and Queen Anne joining Lochgelly, Woodmill, Balwearie, Bell Baxter, Glenrothes and Dunfermline high schools, and Madras College.

And the competition produced its most exciting finish yet, with the outcome dependent on the final two relays.

An outstanding second place in the girls race, and a win in the boys event, by Lochgelly saw them pip Woodmill to the Russell Hogg Trophy by a single point.

As well as stopping the West Fife school winning for a fourth successive year, the victory was only the third for Lochgelly in 39 years.

Lochgelly finished with 63 points, Woodmill were runners-up with 62 and Balwearie placed third with 39.

Richard Brickley, Disability Sport Fife president, said: “DSF is indebted to Lochgelly HS ambassadors who acted as time keepers, and Scottish Swimming officials Tom Foster, Jim Drummond and Colin Wilson, who coordinated officiating duties.

“As always, DSF had a strong team of volunteers operating on pool side. The gala ran exceptionally smoothly, with 55 individual events and relays being held in under two hours.”