DOZENS of swimmers have been splashing their way to raise about £10,000 for good causes.

The Durham City Swimathon, held at the newly renovated Freemans Quay pool, in Durham, saw about 30 swimming teams take part.

Among them were teams from Durham and Elvet Rotary Clubs, the Inner Wheel, St Leonard's. Trinity and Framwellgate Schools, Elvet Methodist Church, Elvet Scouts, Downs Syndrome North East, The Cheesy Waffles Project and Blind Life, with swimmers trying to do as many lengths as they can.

The event was organised by The Rotary Club of Durham Charity Fund and The Mayor of Durham's Charity.

Martin Leake, president of The Rotary Club of Durham, said: “Thank you very much to all who have been involved in preparing and supporting this 12th annual Durham City Swimathon event, to Freemans Quay Leisure Centre, and to our participant teams too.

“The Durham City Swimathon has become a hugely valuable part of the city’s annual calendar and we are so pleased that it is able to benefit so many local charity groups."

The money each team raises will be split between the Mayor's chosen charity, which this year is Belmont-based Cheesy Waffles Programme, and charities they choose themselves.

The event has raised more than £90,000 since it started and is likely to top £100,000 when all the sponsorship has been collected.

The money will be handed out to organisations and charities at an event at Durham Town Hall in March.