Fundraising swimmers were prepared to go to any length for charity.
Some 20 teams were sponsored by the length as they helped to raise more than £4,000 in the Rotary Club of Biggleswade’s annual Swimathon.
The teams of six swam 2,170 lengths – the equivalent of 33 land miles – on Saturday and Sunday (February 16 and 17) at the Saxon Pool in Biggleswade.
Organiser and Rotarian Frank Smith said: “We had an excellent turnout though the fundraising itself was a little down on previous years.
“We had teams from a quite a few community groups and organisations in Biggleswade and the surrounding area, but the recession makes the fundraising more difficult as people can’t afford to donate as much.”
The event, sponsored by the Biggleswade Chronicle and the Jordans and Ryvita Company is expected to raise around £4,200.
Proceeds will be split evenly between charities of each team’s choosing and Rotary funds, which in turn go to good causes.
The Philip Dean Trophy – which was presented to the Swimathon in memory of its former chairman – is awarded to the team that raises the most cash during the event.
Two teams are currently in the running for the award.
A team of six staff from Ivel Valley School in Biggleswade swam 100 lengths in the Swimathon, raising £550 in sponsorship.
Half of this will go towards a trim trail at the special school’s secondary site, in Hitchmead Road.
Headteacher Julie Mudd said: “A big thank you to everyone who sponsored the team, and to everyone for taking part.
“The staff aren’t putting their feet up now, though – they’re already preparing for a sponsored walk in March to raise more cash!”