LITTLE swimmers dived into an annual event to raise £2,197 for Maggie’s Centres which support people with cancer.

Swim school Puddle Ducks, which holds classes at Trinity School, Heel & Toe and Radisson Blu Durham, hosts a charity PJ Week each year, during which children raise money for a local cause by learning water safety dressed in their favourite pyjamas.

This year they chose to support Maggie’s– which provides free practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer, their family and friends in the grounds of NHS cancer hospitals– as the charity's Newcastle centre had support a teacher's family.

Carolyn Sharpe, owner of Puddle Ducks North East, said there is a serious reason behind the fun, charity event.

Most people come into danger around water while fully clothed– being in pyjamas gives youngsters a good indication of what it would be like and the confidence and skills should they ever be in a dangerous situation.

She said: “We are so proud of all the children, past and present, who have taken part to help us raise a record amount of money."