NINETEEN young divers from Southend gave an impressive performance on a busy day of competitions in Southampton.

Divers and coaches from the Southend Diving Programme, based at the “world-class” Swimming and Diving Centre in Garon Park, were out in force on Saturday.

Three eight-year-old divers in Girls Group E “swept the board” at the Gavin Brown “Love to Dive” competition. Lily Bilton got the gold, with Sienna Deakin taking silver, and Willow Sawyer claiming bronze.

Coach Sasha Brook said: “We were so pleased with the divers’ and squads’ performances. This well-attended and supported event provides them with valuable experience as they begin to work towards qualifying for national events later in the year.”

The divers ended the day with a total of nine medals: two bronze, four silver and three gold.

Heidi Duff claimed gold in Girls Group B+, followed closely by Brianna Fox in second place.