Kingston Royals Swimming Club chairman Tim Boden has paid tribute to departing head coach Paul Hurley and his role in transforming the club.

Hurley announced his resignation last week after two years in the job and will step down at Christmas if a replacement has not been found sooner.

Twenty-two Kingston swimmers set 42 new club records at the Kingfisher Pool club’s sprint distance championships last month to provide their coach with a fitting send-off.

Boden said: “Over the two years that he has held the position, Paul has completely transformed the club.

“Both the competitive and cadet sections have been totally restructured, enabling us to provide opportunities to a much wider group of swimmers and improving performance to levels that have not been achieved for many years.

“He has also been a vital part of several other new initiatives across the club including improvements to our land training work, a new club kit and our recent open meet.

“We are all indebted to him for the vision and dedication that have delivered such positive change and results for Kingston Royals.”

The club’s executive committee are recruiting now.

For more information visit kingstonroyals.co.uk.