MORE than £5,000 has been donated to charity following a popular swimathon.

The Durham City Swimathon is held at the city’s Freeman’s Quay leisure centre each November, organised by Durham Rotary Club and the Mayor of Durham’s charity appeal.

Teams swim to raise money for these causes and others.

Last November, hundreds of volunteers swam lengths in aid of charities including Downs Syndrome North East, the Great North Air Ambulance and the Treetops children’s ward at the University Hospital of North Durham.

Representatives of various charities gathered for a reception and which cheques were handed over by Martin Leake, Rotary Club president.

Mr Leake said: “The Durham City Swimathon has once again proved a wonderful success with some excellent teams raising lots of money for their charities.

“Many thanks to all the participants and supporters of this worthwhile cause.

“The annual swimathon is one of the most popular and successful events that the Rotary Club runs and is a fun way of raising money for charity.

“We would welcome anyone who wishes to become involved in the event next year.”