Members of a swimming club joined forces for a sponsored event to help one of their team-mates represent the country.

About 120 members of Wear Valley Associate Swimming Club, at Crook's Glenholme Leisure Centre, swam up to 1,500 metres each to raise cash for Caroline Saxby.

Caroline, 19, was picked for the Commonwealth Games trials at Manchester this summer when she recorded a personal best time of eight minutes 45.84 seconds in a regional 800 metre freestyle contest - a fraction outside the qualifying time.

While the Durham University student concentrated on training, fellow members raised more than £700 to fund the trip.

Caroline, from Stockton, said: "It was wonderful that they all got behind me, even the younger ones who don't train with me have been very supportive. With their support I can concentrate on making it to the Commonwealth Games and hopefully do them proud."

Coach Gary Hollywood said: "We are all very proud of Caroline and she has become a role model for the members. We are thrilled to help in any way we can, but she will probably need more than we can raise."

To sponsor Caroline, or the club, call Gladys Short on (01388) 602557.