SWIMARATHON PHOTOS: It's like swimming all the way to London!

They swam a total of 4,578 lengths -the equivalent of swimming from Market Harborough to London.

Organisers say the event is likely to raise more than £7,000 for charity.

Gordon Etherington, chair of the group of Rotarians who oragnise the SwiMarathon, said “We are delighted to have raised so much money this year from the sponsorship. It will all benefit local causes.”

And he added: “It is lovely to see so many people of all ages swimming together, and having so much fun.”

In the event on Saturday And Sunday, each team gets one lane of the pool to swim in a relay for 50 minutes. There is a maximum of six swimmers per team.

Volunteers count the number of lengths for each team and display the number so swimmers and spectators can see how many lengths are being achieved.

Swimmers range in age from primary school children to senior citizens.

Matilda Halford (nine) and brother Barney Halford (seven), from South Luffenham, Rutland were in Sea Serpents, a team, organised by swimming teacher Chris Giles.

“It was good” said Matilda. “I’ve done it before and I really enjoyed it. And I’ve got a biathlon (swimming and running) coming up.”

Street pastor Jonathan Walpole, 70 this year and swimming with a team called Well Done Pasties, said: “It’s the third time I’ve taken part, and the event seems to go from strength to strength.

“I’ve been training for about three months, and managed to get my time down to 23 seconds for a length.”

The Harborough Netball league managed to “fill the pool”, by having six teams swimming at the same time.

A spokesperson said: “I would like to thank all our swimmers and helpers for taking part, and thank the Rotary Club for organising it all. It was very well organised. “

Market Harborough Church of England Primary School entered nine teams this year; teams of pupils, former pupils, teachers and parents.

Hazel Stephens, organiser at the school said “The children love it, and so do I.

“We have also applied for grants previously and received awards for the school library and the Peace Garden among other things.”

Awards for the teams who swam most lengths, had the best team name, and raised most money will be given out at a special event on June 12. Money raised will be given out to local groups..

Business sponsors this year were: Andrew Granger & Co, Angel Hotel, Brooke House College, Duncan Murray Wines, ET Peirson, e.surv Chartered Surveyors, Harborough FM Radio, Harborough Leisure Centre, Harborough Mail, Jet Pumps UK Ltd, JG Health and Fitness, Lewingtons Heating Engineers, Mistry’s Pharmacy, Parr Automotive, PJD - design and print, J Stamp & Sons - Funerals Directors, Stephen Sanderson Transport Ltd, Tim Thornton Jewellers, Town and Country Veterinary practice, Walker Forestry Conservation, Wartnaby - Hefford Solicitors.