PORTISHEAD Rotary Club's Swimathon event has raised an impressive £14,703 for local charities.

The charity challenge took place in March. Proceeds raised have been distributed to the Children's Air Ambulance and The Royal British Legion Portishead Branch.

The two charities were chosen by the club's president, Tim Mason.

Participants swam in teams of six in relay for 35 minutes and the lengths completed by each team were recorded by lane counters.

At a recent club meeting Fiona Franklin, community fundraising executive of the Children’s Air Ambulance, received £4000 while Berkeley Harris, chairman of the Royal British Legion, received £1,500.

The meeting also posed a chance for everyone to remember rotarian Mollie Young, who organised the Swimathon for the past 20 years. She sadly passed away in early July.

Next year’s Rotary Swimathon with take place at Parish Wharf Leisure Centre, Portishead on Saturday, March 23.