SWIMMERS at the Rainbow Leisure Centre, in Middlesbrough, have raised £932 for children's charity NCH by taking part in the Butlins Swimathon 2005.

The funds raised will help the local branch of the charity to continue to support vulnerable children, young people and their families, in the community.

Mark Sanderson, pool manager at the centre, said: "We are absolutely thrilled that so many local people gave their time and energy to swim for NCH. It just goes to show the true spirit of our community and how willing people are to help others.

"We are already looking forward to an even bigger turnout for next year's event."

Seventy per cent of the money will go to NCH to support its services, including care for disabled children, fostering and adoption.

The Swimathon Foundation, an independent charitable trust, will distribute the remaining 30 per cent to smaller charities, which benefit the local community.

Butlins operations director Richard Bates said: "I would like to congratulate everyone who swam and raised money for NCH. It is all about making children smile, which is what Butlins is all about, and we are proud the Swimathon has contributed so much to such a worthy cause."