Brighton and Crawley have been promoted to the premier division of the National Speedo League.

The Sussex clubs were first and second in the division one swim-off at Beckenham.

Now Brighton, with around 480 swimmers, have appealed for more pool time to help them get even better.

The club was formed in 1860 and is thought to be the oldest in the country. They want to be in the top five for southern clubs in two years and top 20 nationwide by 2010.

Spokesman Brian Smith said: "What we have done in the last three years has been phenomenal. We are in the big league now and well on target to make the top 15 in the south. We are delighted to make the premier but want to keep progressing.

Jump "We have come from practically nothing in three years through hard work, good coaching and talented swimmers, but to make the jump we need to double the pool time we get.

"We train six days out of seven each week but it is split up at four different venues.

"We go to school pools at Surrenden Road, Brighton College and St Mary's Hall, which have four lanes.

"The Prince Regent provides us with six lanes, a small-end pool and diving boards.

"In other words, the Prince Regent gives us quality pool time.

"But we are only able to use it Friday night and Saturday morning, five-and-a-quarter hours in total.

"We would like to think a successful swimming club would bring prestige to Brighton and Hove and that the council and those who run the Prince Regent will respond and give us more time.

"We look at top clubs, like Barnet and Portsmouth, and the time and facilities they get and it is no wonder they keep producing top swimmers. We want to get up there with them."

Youngsters Kayleigh Sweet, Amy Kent, Claire Manton, Kirsty Hedge, Holly White and Ross Bish won nine races between them to ensure Brighton won the gala.

Garth Kates, Alexa White, Ben Hutchinson, Alex Brown, Katie Bashford and Rebecca Mintrim excelled for Crawley as they finished second.

Coach Tim Hartley would like more pool time for a 350-strong membership, who are based in the Crawley pool and Cottesmore School, Pease Pottage.

He said: "I think most clubs would.

"It was a competitive gala and we only finished second by nine points.

"We swam in the top flight about eight or nine years ago so we're delighted to be back."

l BRIGHTON'S Amy Kent, Kirsty Hedge, Claire Manton and Charlotte Potton are to compete in the National Short Course Championships in Sheffield from tomorrow to Sunday.

Crawley take Alex Brown Alexa White, Daniel Bland and Katie Bashford.