More than 300 swimmers splashed down for Portishead's returning Swimathon this weekend.

Parish Warf hosted the charity fundraiser's first event since the Covid pandemic began.

Teams of six completed 25-metre laps, with a total of 56 miles covered between the groups.

North Somerset Times: Fifty-four teams took part in the Swimathon.Fifty-four teams took part in the Swimathon. (Image: Tracey Fowler)

Portishead Rotary Club staged the fundraiser in aid of the Bristol Children’s Hospital's Grand Appeal and the Alzheimer’s Society.

The group said: "What a day we had yesterday with the return of the first Swimathon since March 2019.

"Big thanks to all the swimmers, their schools, youth groups plus their families for supporting despite the surge in Omicron.

"Many of the captains commented that this was the first time some children could take part in a team event. This was evident by the way they all urged each other on in the final few lengths roared on by family and friends watching from the poolside.

"Big thanks also go to all at Parish Wharf for their support and Sainsbury’s Portishead for their generosity with the goody bags."

North Somerset Times: Channel swimmer Andy Wolf with Rotarians Mollie Young, Brian Knox and president David BowringChannel swimmer Andy Wolf with Rotarians Mollie Young, Brian Knox and president David Bowring (Image: Tracey Fowler)

Grand Appeal ambassador and long-distance swimmer, Professor Andy Wolf, took part in the opening and closing laps.

In total, 330 swimmers took part in the event.

North Somerset Times: The Swimathon got a thumbs up from the Guide leaders.The Swimathon got a thumbs up from the Guide leaders. (Image: Tracey Fowler)

North Somerset Times: Sainsbury's staff got proceedings underway.Sainsbury's staff got proceedings underway. (Image: Portishead Rotary Club)