Nearly 50 youngsters from Kingston Ladies Swimming Club put on a dazzling display of athletic dance and gymnastics in the water at their annual spring show on Saturday, writes Helen Conway.

Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Ian MacDonald was guest of honour at the New Malden-based synchronised swimming club’s show and hosted an awards ceremony after the display.

Surbiton-based Francesca Stevens, 24, was named as swimmer of the year for her consistent success in regional and national competitions.

She recently took top prize in the Kent synchronised swimming competition for her solo routine.

At the award ceremony, the club president Shirley Geier said she expected the show would kick off another successful year for the club.

The mayor Ian MacDonald praised the professionalism of the young swimmers and expressed his appreciation at the club’s donation of the proceeds of the night’s raffle draw to the Mayor’s Charitable Trust.

The £150 raised is to go towards the charity’s deposit guarantee scheme which aids the homeless make the move to rented accommodation.

KLSC is one of only four synchronised swimming clubs in London and is the only one in Surrey. It currently has around 60 swimmers and has a waiting list for swimmers to join.

The club trains every Saturday morning at New Malden pool and on Monday nights at Lady Eleanor Holles School. It has recently introduced dance classes to the girls’ training programme to enhance their synchro routines.