YOUNG swimmers went to great lengths to raise money for a hospital ward by taking part in a sponsored swimming gala yesterday.

Wear Valley Amateur Swimming Club, which has members ranging from seven to 16, arranged the event to raise money for Bishop Auckland General Hospital's children's ward.

They collected sponsorship from friends and family, and took part in a number of team-based swimming activities, which included members of all ages.

About 40 swimmers took part with some of the older boys causing a splash by wearing female swimming costumes instead of their usual trunks.

The idea for the sponsored swim came from the club's junior committee, and it was arranged with the help of their coaches.

Head coach Carla Rispin said: "The committee decided they'd like to do it for the children's ward for anything they might need, even if it is just toys and games.

"They wanted to put something back into the community and, of course, it helps raise the profile of the association, as we are only quite a small club.

"The older members acted as captains and they have been really good with the younger ones in their team.

"There are some really good swimmers here and some of them are very competitive - although the main thing is that they have fun."

The event took place at Woodhouse Close Leisure Complex, in Bishop Auckland, one of the club's bases along with the town's St John's RC Comprehensive School pool and Glenholme Leisure Complex, in Crook.

The sponsorship money will be presented to the children's ward once it has been collected.