Purley swimmers were buoyant with pride last week when they raised an impressive £12,000 in their long-awaited swimathon.

Between them more than 300 participants of all ages and from a range of charities and organisations covered 60 miles over the two session event on Saturday February 9 and Tuesday February 12.

The Swimathon's most senior swimmer, 79-year-old Ellen Brown, put her best fin forward to help Purley Diabetics raise almost £700.

Barry Kay of Kenley persuaded 22 swimmers to form three teams who ended up raising £3,000 for the Royal Marsden Hospital an institution used widely by Croydon's NHS to treat the borough's cancer sufferers.

Other beneficiaries included the Croydon Bowel Cancer Prevention Campaign, Abbeyfield Retirement Home in Purley, Pysiotherapy and Occupational Therapy units at Mayday Hospital, South East Cancer Care Centre, Croydon Mind, Croydon Relate and the Croydon Parkinson's Society.

Local clubs making their contribution included Old Coulsdon Colts Football Club, 7th and 21st Purley Scouts and Christ Church School.

"The event was a great success and is steadily growing," said Ken Trench, of organisers Purley Rotary Club.

"Next year any local organisation that wants to boost its funds should enter a team."

For more information on the next Swimathon contact Mr Trench on 020 8763 1011.