A MUCH-RESPECTED coach has been given a fitting farewell after retiring.

Colchester Swimming Club gave coach Jeff Coles a rousing send-off following his retirement, after 17 years of coaching.

Jeff has been an integral part of the club's coaching team and a Colours Gala was put on in honour of him and to thank him for his dedication, over the years.

His family surprised him by coming along to join in with the fun, while past swimmers left farewell messages in a video thanking him for his support in their swim journeys.

The swimmers had a fabulous evening of fun races, leaving Jeff with fond memories to take with him on his retirement.

Colchester SC have thanked Jeff for being inspirational to their swimmers and have wished him a very happy retirement.

Meanwhile, Colchester SC’s Connie Ratley qualified for the Citi Para Swimming World Series, incorporating British Para Swimming, held at Ponds Forge in Sheffield.

The 15-year-old competed alongside leading international para swimmers in the 100m freestyle, 200m IM, 100m backstroke, 50m backstroke, 50m butterfly, 50m freestyle and 100m butterfly, over four days.

Day one saw Connie compete in the 100m freestyle finishing in a time of 1:11.48 and clock 2:56.20 in the 200m IM.

The second day saw her race in the 100m backstroke and the 50m backstroke, where Connie produced personal best (PB) times of 1:19.95 in the 100m backstroke and 36.79 in the 50m backstroke.

On the Saturday came the 50m butterfly, where Connie dug deep to produce an excellent time of 35.01 seconds.

Connie had the 50m freestyle and the 100m butterfly race to compete in, on the final day.

But after picking up an injury, she had to withdraw from these events.

However, Connie’s success in this international event speaks for itself with four national titles – 100m free, 200IM, 50m back and 50m fly, resulting in two best junior GB medals.

Colchester head coach Michelle Young said: "We are very proud of Connie, competing at an international event at a young age.

"Connie’s swims were incredible and we are very proud of her achievements."