SWIMMERS completed more than 4,000 laps of a pool in a bid to raise thousands for charity.

The 31st annual Soroptimist Swimathon took place on Saturday, February 23, and Sunday, at Taunton School.

This year's event saw 78 teams take part in the aquatic charity venture, completing 4,130 laps in total.

The swimathon is held every year in aid of different charities. This year, three causes will be benefitting from the £15,396.56 raised over the weekend.

Christine Briggs, coordinator, said: "We had a really great weekend with 78 teams taking part this year which is more than the last few years and an incredible amount of money pledged - £15,396.56. This figure is quite amazing and we are quite overwhelmed by the generosity of both the swimmers and all their sponsors.

"This figure usually rises significantly by the time all the money is in so we hope that the same happens again this year.

"Teams came from all parts of the local community. There were lots of friends and family teams as well.

"A number of the teams were new to us and had never taken part before.

" However good a swimmer they were they all just entered into the spirit of the event and did their best. Everyone enjoyed receiving their medals afterwards.

"All the charities we are supporting this year also took part and each entered a number of teams. They are St Margaret's Hospice, Somerset Sight and Citizens Advice Taunton."

While the current pledged figure stands at more than £15,000, Mrs Briggs says this amount usually raises as the money comes in. The winning team was Dark Horses with 88 laps.

She added: "A huge thank you to everyone, whether they took part, sponsored, or came to support us. Special thanks to all of our sponsors especially Taunton School who looked after us so well.

"This really was a feel good event with everyone having a fun time raising money for local good causes.

"As a Soroptimist Club we feel very proud to have been organising this event for 31 years now and are so pleased to have been able to help so many charities."