THE organisers of an annual sponsored swim that has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds have won official recognition for their achievement.

Taunton Soroptimists have won the Soroptimist International's Ellen Brawn Award for Good Practice for running the Swimathon over the past 29 years.

This year's event raised £16,663.68, which was split between Taunton Association for the Homeless, Stand Against Violence, Apple FM and Taunton Mother and Baby Home.

That took the total raised over 29 years to £611,095.02, which has all gone to local charities.

The award was presented by Soroptimist International regional president Daphne Dowsing at the organisation's annual general meeting and conference.

Meanwhile, Taunton Soroptimists have announced the 30th Swimathon at Taunton School on February 17 and 18 next year will support St Margaret's Hospice, Taunton Foodbank and MIND Taunton and West Somerset.