TWO Warrington Swimming and Water Polo Club stalwarts were recognised by the town mayor at an afternoon tea.

Mayor of Warrington Clr Peter Carey presented a plaque to Tony Burke, from Grappenhall, and Dr Alan Boyle, from Appleton, for their services to swimming and water polo.

Both Alan and Tony were water polo players in the 1950s when large crowds would gather at the former Warrington Baths in Legh Street.

For more than 60 years, Alan has played, coached, tutored, refereed, and administered swimming and water polo from grassroots to the highest level within the regional and national governing bodies.

In 1970, Alan joined the committee of Warrington Swimming Club and in 1976 became head water polo coach Alan became a member of the Amateur Swimming Association Council in 2000 and serves ASA to this day, as well as chairing Warrington Swimming Club’s committee.

Tony was a top class water polo goalkeeper, playing at county level, and served as the club’s treasurer for 50 years before retiring in 2013.

Warrington Swimming Club and Water Polo Club has a long history of producing international players including Olympian Hazel Musgrove, junior international Courtney Dean and Tom Hadley, all of whom were coached by Alan.