IN a tradition that has been going for more than 20 years members of the Bridport Lions have once again raised thousands for charity with their annual swimarathon.

This year is the 22nd event and took place as usual at Bridport Leisure Centre.

The event has already raised £64,493 over the past 21 years and the 24 teams that took part on this occasion have already pledged £4213 with more to come.

Sponsorship raised before the event from local businesses to fund the costs of staging the swim amounted to £1,140 with main sponsor, Amsafe Bridport, contributing £250.

President Peter Garlick said he was immensely grateful to all the sponsors for their generosity and, of course, the swimmers for their hard work on the day and in getting sponsored themselves to raise funds for good causes.

There was enthusiastic support poolside, including the Mayor of Bridport Councillor Sandra Brown who started the first couple of swims.

The following winners emerged wet but victorious:

Highest laps senior- Bridport Barracudas- Barracota Bandits with104 laps.

Highest laps mixed - Bridport Barracudas- Mixed Up with 76 laps.

Highest laps Junior - Bridport Barracudas- Swimming Sheep managed 83 laps.

The 24 teams swum a total of 1409 lengths - a length being both up and down the pool.

Mr Garlick added: "Our thanks also go to Leakers who supplied delicious jam doughnuts for all swimmers and our sincere thanks go to our pool sponsors, Amsafe, ABC Blinds, Beaminster Pharmacy, Bridge House Hotel, Bridport Lighting Centre Ltd., Bridport Post Office, Carpet World, Coastal Nets, Dorset Kitchens, Fowler Construction Ltd., Freshwater Beach Holiday Park, G Pitcher Locksmith, Harbour Bonfield, Heavers of Bridport Ltd., Highlands End Holiday Park, Kennedys Estate Agents, Kind 2 Feet, Lidl (UK), Long's Fish & Chips, Nantes Solicitors, Nick Tett Butchers, Park Dene Holidays, Turner Build Ltd., West Bay Hotel.

"The raffle sponsors were - Boots, Broadwindsor Craft Centre, Frampton Butchers, Fruit N 2Veg, Gemmas Flowers, George Hotel, Hair by David, Olive Tree, Rawles, Riverside Restaurant, Steptoes, Waitrose and Waterstones."