A SWIMATHON has raised more than £6,000 for charity.

The Durham City Swimathon saw 37 teams including 160 people raise money for a range of causes by swimming lengths of at the city’s Freeman’s Quay leisure centre.

The two-day event was launched by Councillor John Wilkinson, the Mayor of Durham.

Among the teams were some representing the Treetops children’s ward at the University Hospital of North Durham, in Durham City.

Friends and relatives of children currently in the unit came from as far afield as London to take part.

The event is organised by the Rotary Club of Durham charity fund and the Mayor of Durham’s charity appeal.

Arthur Bullough, president of the Rotary Club, said: “The annual swimathon is one of our most popular and successful events and is a fun way of raising money for charity.

“We would welcome anyone who wishes to become involved in the event next year.”