SCORES of swimmers have helped raised thousands of pounds for charity at the annual swimathon in Winchester.

Some 150 people in 32 teams took part in the annual Winchester Rotary's fundraiser, held all day at St Swithun’s School on Saturday.

The swimmers included long-distance enthusiast Maria Ammann, deputy head verger at the cathedral who toiled in the water from 9am to 5pm and swam an estimated 20 kilometres, around ten miles.

Other teams taking part included Peter Symonds College and one from Winchester Operatic Society.

Organisers think they may well beat last year’s fundraising figure of £8,500. Benefitting will be: Street Reach, MHA Live at Home, Winchester Churches Nightshelter and Winchester Rotary's help for senior citizens.

Organiser Jon Pierce said: “Despite a slow start (with entries) we are very pleased with the numbers taking part.”

For more photos see this week's Hampshire Chronicle, out today.