A NEW chapter is on its way for swimming in Warrington with Darren Ashley exiting his role.

Ashley is leaving his position as head coach of LiveWire’s Swim Development Squads and Warriors of Warrington next month to join City of Liverpool as their new head coach.

A Warriors spokesman said: “Warriors thank Darren for his commitment and contribution to the success of the Warriors programme over the last 25 years and wish him all the best for the future.”

Ashley, a British Swimming award winner for his coaching, joined the Warriors coaching team in 2001 and since 2006 has represented his country in that capacity for periods, too.

A major part of his role has been talent identification and providing opportunities for those swimmers showing aptitude to reach the highest level.

Livewire, in conjunction with the club, have started their UK wide recruitment process to fill the void that will be left by Ashley’s departure.

His efforts and those of the club’s other coaches continue to be shown in the achievements of Warriors’ swimmers.

The club dominated the Rotherham Metro Meet at Sheffield, winning silverware for top visiting club, top boy and top girl. An impressive 74 per cent of the medals were won by Warriors swimmers.

Ethan Craven was crowned top boy and Maya Karwa top girl for the second year running.

At the same time Sophie Weston flew out to Belgrade to compete with Great Britain at the Lens European Junior Championships, and Joe Ashley was training with the Welsh national team.

Continuing a busy weekend, Kerry Hennie and Amelia Gerrard were competing in the 3km Open Water North West Regional Championships.

Hennie, 15, swam 42:40.9, winning first county swimmer, second regional and third overall.

Amelia, 14, won her age category, was first regional and fifth overall in 43:44.1.