TAUNTON Soroptimists have held their awards evening for the Swimathon at Cheddon Fitzpaine Village Hall, when trophies were presented to the winning teams and charities received their cheques.

The final total received after the event at Taunton School was £20,877.18, with £5,219.30 going to each of the four charities – St Margaret’s Hospice, North Taunton Partnership, The Albemarle Centre and the Josh Evans Trust Fund.

The grand total raised over the event’s 26 years has risen to £561,772.50 for local charities and good causes.

Swimathon co-ordinator Christine Briggs said: “A huge thank you to everyone who took part in the Swimathon – swimmers, helpers and sponsors.”