FUNDRAISERS made a splash as they helped to raise hundreds of pounds for worthy causes in Dorchester.

The annual Lions Swimarathon at the Dorchester Sports Centre saw swimmers lapping up the action as they raised money for their chosen causes as well as Lions' club charities.

Swimmers dived into the spirit of the event, raising almost £1,000 for local charities and good causes across two sessions at the Coburg Road centre on Saturday and Sunday.

This year was the 33rd instalment of the event, which has raised more than £100,000 over the decades.

The Lions said the club was proud to welcome the Mayor and Mayoress of Dorchester Robin and Val Potter to the event on Saturday and they sounded the claxon to start off the first teams, with the help of Lions president Rick Rogers.

Cllr Potter said: "I’m grateful to the Lions for organising it and for the helpers who give their time.

“I also want to thank the swimmers for giving up their time.”

The absence of regular teams due to prior commitments meant that the timing of the event was changed to a later start of 4pm, but there was plenty of effort show from the teams that did take part with those from Henry Lings and Thornlow School together completing more than 600 lengths of the main pool.

They were all accompanied by lots of noise from their travelling supporters.

Andy Rose, from the Lions, said it has been a pleasure to put on the annual event.

He said: "We always enjoy putting on the Swimarathon and thank all those who support the event every year.

"The funds raised from their participation ensures that we can continue to donate to many local deserving good causes through the year."

There as a special visit before the event from Tahlia Kenner and her family.

The family from Wyke Regis is bidding to raise £40,000 for the nine-year-old, who suffers from Cerebral Palsy, to have surgery that would significantly improve her quality of life.

The Lions supported the family's efforts by encouraging anyone looking to fundraise for Tahlia to take part in the event and also pledged to make a contribution from its share of the fundraising total to the cause.