MEREL Hijink and Daniel Mowlem were the stars of Abingdon Vale SC’s Winter Open held at Oxford Temple Cowley pool for the last time before it closes down.

Ten year-old Hijink collected five gold medals and Mowlem, 15, went one better with six as they respectively took the best girl and best boy awards.

They received gift vouchers for Abingdon Sports from club coach Scott Farnell.

It was a competitive meet with more than 250 swimmers from ten clubs in the region – and one from Luxembourg – taking part.

The event was sponsored by local businesses Schlumberger, Robert Stanley and Finders Keepers.