THE 27th Soroptimist Swimathon held at Taunton School over the weekend was another great success and raised over £12,500 for charity.

The event saw 317 swimmers along with non-swimming team captains in 55 teams taking part.

They swam a combined total of 3,174 laps – a whopping 158.7kms or 98.6 miles.

The team which swam the most laps this year was Team Becky from Taunton Deane Swimming Club with a total of 103 laps and were very exciting to watch.

Swimathon co-ordinator Christine Briggs, of Taunton Soroptimists, said: “The total amount pledged so far was £12,544.92 and we hope that this figure will rise when all the money comes in.

“It was a real fun, community event with teams from all over the area taking part, including schools, swimming clubs, Rotary, Inner Wheel, solicitors, accountants, the Hydrographic Department and groups of friends and families.

Jeremy Browne, our MP, took part again this year.”

All of the charities who are benefitting this year also entered teams and they were St Margaret's Hospice, Benchmark, Ups and Downs South West and School in a Bag.

Christine added: “A huge thank you to all who took part, sponsored or came to support us.

“Special thanks to all our sponsors - especially Taunton School, who provided the venue and looked after us all so well.”

See this week's County Gazette for more photos.