Chesham Swimming Club has been re-accredited to the Amateur Swimming Association's Swim21 scheme thanks to the hard work of their working group who drew up a completely new submission under the updated scheme.

The club was the first in the county to achieve the standard as a skill development club in 2004 and was also awarded the prestigious Sport England Clubmark.

In order to maintain Swim21 status, Chesham had to submit an annual improvement plan to the ASA. Accreditation lasts for four years, and in 2007 the ASA made several changes to the Swim21 process to keep pace with the needs of the sport and swimmers.

The 75 elements for which documentary evidence is now required include compliance, workforce development and athlete development. Chesham vice-chairman Nigel Brand said: "We are extremely proud that the national panel endorsed the regional panel's recommendation for Chesham's accreditation under the new scheme, and we are very grateful for the outstanding commitment and effort of our Swim21 working group."

ASA regional director Eli Karlika-Cook said: "This is a wonderful achievement and on behalf of the south-east region I would like to congratulate Chesham's efforts in attaining this re-accreditation."