SWIMMERS with learning disabilities have had a splashing time at a charity gala event.

SWIMMERS with learning disabilities have had a splashing time at a charity gala event.

The 12th annual Lions Club swimming gala was held at Crown Pools on Saturday and gave nearly 70 people the chance to enjoy the atmosphere of swimming competitions.

Star, the guide dog sponsored by The Evening Star, attended the event and �500 was presented to the A Star is Born campaign.

Bill Murton, who organised the event which is run jointly by five Lions Clubs in the area, said: “We decided to do it 12 years ago for people with learning difficulties that don't get a chance to go in a competitive swimming arena.

“They don't know what it is like to get cheered on and get prizes. They really enjoyed it; you can't buy the smiles that come on their faces.”

Mr Murton has been organising the event for 12 years and said he now planned to hand over the baton.

He said the cash was given to The Evening Star's campaign as thanks for the help the newspaper had given the event over the years.

He added: “It was fantastic to have Star there. Everyone was stroking her and everyone made a fuss of her.”

Are you putting on a charity event? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.