More than 100 swimmers made a big splash for good causes at this year's Swimathon.

Swimmers from 23 teams completed a fantastic 2,701 lengths at the second annual event, sponsored by the Observer and Accrington Rotary Club.

Mark Schofield, of Accrington Rotary Club, praised the teams and said the event at Accrington Academy was a great success.

He said: “It went very well indeed, all the teams had a positive experience. The crowd were magnificent they gave really good support. People were standing cheering for the whole event.”

Pioneer'79 Swimming Club managed to smash the national Rotary club Swimathon record by racking up a staggering 217 lengths in 50 minutes.

Stuart Rogan, Pioneer'79 vice-chair, said he was delighted with the club's performance.

He said: “To beat the Swimathon record of 196 by such a margin was great. I thought we would drop off towards the end but all credit to the team who managed to maintain the pace.

“One member of the Pioneer Masters team managed to swim a length in 12.4 seconds - that was the fastest of the day.”

Despite smashing all expectations, Stuart believed the Pioneers still had more to give.

He said: “I don't know if we can beat the record again next year, but we have got a lot of promising youngsters coming through.

“Our youth team managed to get 186 lengths so I think next year they will certainly be pushing the seniors.”

Other teams to feature in the Observer over the past two months can also hold their heads high.

With an average age of 60 the Baxenden Babes managed a respectable 59 lengths, the Motortrade Mermaids hit 109 - that's 24 more than last year. A big well done also to St Augustine's High School who entered five teams and managed to swim 609 lengths as a school.

Mark said the Rotary Club is currently in the process of tallying up a fundraising total.

Other groups involved in the event included the Accrington Air Cadets, Our Lady & St Huberts RC Primary School, Heathland School, Baxenden CE Primary School, Shadsworth Infant School, the Blackburn Samaritans, Wellfield Church School, Specsavers Opticians, Accrington and Aroma Coffee Shop, Accrington.