Young swimmers were left broken hearted after learning that they would not get their prized certificates due to Council red tape.

The youngsters had successfully completed their 25 metre swim. All previous participants had received council certificates but not in this case. All certificates with the old council logo have been destroyed which meant this children did not receive one.

Councillor Ian Grayson said, “I am very upset at what has gone on. The Council is playing politics with children’s swimming certificates and it has caused a lot of upset amongst the youngsters. This swim was a big achievement for them and they deserved their certificates but because of political correctness they did not get them”.

Whitley Bay Guardian 19th Feb 2004.