SEVEN Pershore youngsters will compete against some of the best age-group competitors from the Midlands at Coventry’s 50-metre international pool over the next two weekends.

The ASA Midland District Championships’ format has changed, with entrants competing in end-of-year age groups and sprint finals have been introduced for all events apart from the 400 metres.

It will be the first time at the competition for Alexandra Barry, 11, and Chris Vizard, 13, while Megan Annis, 12, Will Gearey, 12, Naomi Marsden, 13, and Simon Sweatman, 13, are looking to improve on last year’s performances. Patrick Heeks, 11, will also be involved.

Several swimmers will look to use the championships to move up the United Kingdom age-group rankings for qualification to the new Summer Home Nations Championships in Sheffield in August.