MORE than 100 people made a splash at the weekend for an annual swimathon to raise cash for charities across the Durham area.

Durham City Swimathon was held for the 11th time on Saturday and Sunday at Freeman’s Quay Leisure Centre.

Thirty-four teams of between four and six people from 11 organisations and charities embarked on the challenge.

A collaboration between The Rotary Club of Durham and the Mayor of Durham, Cllr John Lethbridge’s charity appeal, all cash raised will be split between the appeal, in aid of the Royal British Legion, and the teams’ chosen charities.

Tony Ford, president of The Rotary Club of Durham, said: “Thank you very much to all who have been involved in preparing and supporting this 11th annual Durham City Swimathon event, to Freemans Quay Leisure Centre, and to our participant teams too.

“We are thrilled that the event has become such a permanent part of the city calendar. The turnout has been terrific and the proceeds from the event will once again be a great help to our local charities.”

Participants were invited to make up a team of swimmers from in and around Durham for the 30-minute swimathon.

Swimmers taking part were from DASH (Durham Action on Single Housing), St Leonard’s School, Durham, Framwellgate School, Durham, Downs Syndrome North East, The Cheesy Waffles Project, The Rotary Club of Durham, The Inner Wheel Club of Durham, Elvet Scouts, Elvet Methodist Church and other private groups.

This year’s fundraising total is yet still to be counted but the 2017 swimathon raised more than £9,500 for local charities.

The event is organised entirely by volunteers, and over the last 11 years it has raised more than £90,000 for many local causes.

All of the participant organisations will gather at Durham Town Hall to receive their Durham City Swimathon proceeds cheques from Cllr Lethbridge in March 2019.