INTERNATIONAL swimming is returning to Southampton after an absence of over ten years.

The Schools' Home International is being held at The Quays on March 20.

The last International was held over ten years ago at Centre 2000 and was the last event before its closure.

That event was organised by Margaret Bell on behalf of the Amateur Swimming Association.

She is also bringing the curtain down on 47 years of involvement with the sport - including teaching, coaching, club secretary, county secretary, southern district championships organiser, and team manager.

The schools international will see England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales compete against each other. All the participants are in full time education and aged from 12-18.

Bell is asking for help from Daily Echo readers in billeting the competitors.

"I have a huge problem with the hosting of the swimmers from the four countries," she said.

"I still am 78 beds short, with little time to go. I really need to have those beds in place by next Monday. I am desperate for help."

Bell can be contacted on 01329 832645 or by emailing: margaret@bellivy.freeserve.co.uk

Among the locals competing in the Schools Home International in Southampton will be:

Emma Wicks

The King Edwards, Southampton, pupil will be swimming the Open 400m Freestyle for England.

Wicks is now swimming with Portsmouth Northsea and is a member of the ASA World Class Potential Squad. She is an outstanding distance swimmer having won numerous titles at County, District and National Level. This will be her first Schools International.

Peter Hall

The Crofton School, Fareham, pupil is a member of Fareham Nomads and is swimming the 100m Backstroke in the Intermediate Age Group.

Josh Clinch

Is at school at Bishop Challoner, Basingstoke, and is a member of Basingstoke SC. He is swimming in the Junior Age Group at 200m Individual Medley.

John Molyneaux

Is at school at Medina High School on the Isle of Wight. He is also swimming the 200m Individual Medley in the Intermediate Age Group. Is also an outstanding backstroke swimmer and was the all-Ireland National Champion for 2003 in the 400m Individual Medley.

Rikki Jackson

Formerly at Eastleigh SC, Rikki now swims with Portsmouth Northsea. She is at Havant College and will swim the Senior 100m Breaststroke in the International. She was a silver medallist in the 100m Breaststroke at the National Youth Championships in 2003.