Budding swimmers have taken part in a marathon challenge to raise money for charity.

Thornbury Rotary Club's Swimarathon has raised more than £13,000 for BRACE, an Alzheimer's research charity, and South Gloucestershire Young Carers.

Forty-five teams took part in the event held from March 1-3 at Thornbury Leisure Centre. Some, such as Thornbury Golf Club, raised more than £1,000 alone.

In total the teams swam 5,444 lengths, a total of 136km (84.6 miles).

The Mayor of Thornbury, Cllr Shirley Holloway, opened the event while Castle School's Steel Band provided a raucous atmosphere throughout.

The annual event, began in 1985, has now raised an estimated £360,000.

The Rotary Club wanted to thank Leisure Centre staff, all those taking part, the helpers, teams and sponsors, Berkeley Vale Motors and all other business sponsors, the Castle School Steel Band and Cllr Shirley Holloway.

Sponsoring this year’s event online is still possible by clicking MyDonate on thornburyrotary.org.

Planning is already underway for Swimarathon 2020 and the provisional dates are March 6-8. To find out more, email swimarathon@thornburyrotary.org.