DETERMINED swimmers at Bridport Leisure Centre pushed themselves to the limit and raised more than £3,000 for a worthy cause.

Bridport Lions Club held their annual Swimathon event on Sunday which marked the 24th year of the event.

Lucy Paull, president of Bridport Lions Club, described the Swimathon as the club's "biggest fundraising event", which provides about 50 per cent of its fundraising income for the year.

Ms Paull extended her thanks to Amsafe Bridport who were the main sponsor for the second year.

She said: "Amsafe Bridport together with pool sponsors have raised £1,220 which helps cover our expenses.

"There were a total of 22 teams swimming a total of 1,249 laps on the day and the swimmers have pledged a total of £3,301.

"Leakers kindly again gave us a mixture of donuts which I am sure was appreciated by all the swimmers - they said they were 'scrumptious'."

Burlistic from Bridport Barracudas took top prize for highest laps for a senior team, tallying up 100 laps, while the highest laps for a mixed team was Sink or Swim from Bridport Leisure Centre and Dolphins from the Barracudas claimed highest laps by a junior team.

Ammonites from Charmouth Scouts win the Chairman's Cup, while Puffa Fish Powers from Salwayash secured the Schools Cup for under 14s with 60 laps.

The event is now in its 24th year, and swimmers have raised almost £70,000 for charity since it was first held.

Ms Paull added: "All the money raised by the swimmers will go directly to charities.

"We have managed to help so many groups, schools and individuals do things they wouldn't be able to do without our support and also thank everyone who has helped us along the way."

For more information about Bridport Lions, visit bridportlionsclub.org