ROYAL Wootton Bassett Academy were triumphant at the first-ever Stephanie Millward gala last week.

The competition was set up to help celebrate Wiltshire swimmer Millward’s success at the Rio Paralympic Games last summer, where the 35-year-old won four medals, including two golds.

Corsham Town Council, who awarded Millward the freedom of the town, have been keen to create a sporting legacy in her name for the young people of Wiltshire.

As part of that, a secondary school swimming competition was set up, with the maiden event taking place at Corsham Swimming Club, where Millward learned to swim.

Competing in the inaugural event were pupils from Corsham, St John’s in Marlborough, Royal Wootton Bassett Academy, Kingdown, Sheldon, St Augustine’s, John of Gaunt, Malmesbury, Dauntsey’s, Hardenhuish and Devizes schools.

Bassett finished on the top step of the podium, with St Augustine’s runners-up and Hardenhuish in third place.

Millward was in attendance at the event, bringing along her gold medals and having pictures taken with the excited youngsters.

Mrs Penberthy, PE teacher at event winners Royal Wootton Bassett Academy said: “I am so impressed with how the gala was organised and how well it was run.

"All my pupils had a great time. It was a really good event and we look forward to coming next year.”

Organisers of the event thanked Corsham School and Springfield Community Campus for the use of the pool as well as the lifeguards, officials from various clubs across the county who gave up their time to officiate and the volunteers from Swim England’s Young Volunteer Programme who also helped out.