SWIMMERS of all ages helped raise about £2,000 for wounded troops when they took part in a swimathon.

Around 40 people took to the pool at Orca Swim School, in Great Witley, to raise the cash for Help for Heroes.

They swam a total of 1,198 lengths, which is just under 32 miles, after being sponsored to swim as many lengths as they could.

Michelle Hayward, who runs the swimming school, said she was pleased with the swimmers’ efforts and the amount of money collected.

“We only set a target to raise £500 and we have more than doubled it, so we are really pleased,” she said.

“The distance the children managed to swim was amazing. Children as young as one took part and parents also joined in.

“Some of the children swam way beyond what we would have expected them to.”

She explained she wanted to raise money for Help for Heroes, as she had lost a friend in Afghanistan. “I have close links to the Army, so I thought it was a worthy cause,” she said.

She added she was hoping to send the money to the charity next month.