THE 90th anniversary of Wivey Pool, in Wiveliscombe, was marked marked by recreating an overnight Channel swim - although the participants overran by a huge distance.

Six teams - three from the local community, the others from Taunton School Long Distance Swimming Club - completed the challenge in a six-person relay at the heated open-air facility in the town's recreation ground.

Although the English Channel equates to around 1,291 lengths of the pool, the swimmers managed a combined total of 7,746 lengths.

At the same time they raised money to refurbish the popular pool, which is run by volunteers.

They were joined by a team of national and Olympic swimmers based out of The Southport School, in Queensland Australia, who swam concurrently.

The first team home was the Wivey Monday Medley in 10 hours and 14 minutes - it included Taunton Prep School pupils Chloe Hims and William Henry, both aged 11, the youngest swimmers.

All the teams finished in under 11.5 hours.

When not swimming, the Taunton pupils camped poolside or watched the classic film Jaws on a poolside screen.

The event is set to run annually from now on.