A RECORD number of teams donned their swimwear and dived into Sidmouth Swimming Pool on Sunday in a bid to raise cash for servicemen.

A RECORD number of teams donned their swimwear and dived into Sidmouth Swimming Pool on Sunday in a bid to raise cash for servicemen and women injured in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Rotary club of Sidmouth's annual Swimathon saw a host of local teams swim in 55 minute stints for the Help for Heroes charity.

Standout swimmers were Sidmouth team Eel and Elvers, who clocked up an impressive 146 lengths. They were closely followed by Sid Valley Medical Practise team The Aquadocs who swam 131.

Organiser David Cooper said: "21 teams took part in the Swimathon this year which was a record turnout. The atmosphere at the pool was fantastic as the swimmers entered into friendly rivalry to complete as many lengths as possible in the time allotted. Some thrashed their way through the water as others slipped along at impressive speed almost without a ripple."

The armed services were well represented with Barney's Rifles, a team made up of East Devon's sixth rifles reservist regiment and The Secret Squirrels, made up of local Air Cadets amongst swimmers.

Waitrose entered two teams and provided a buffet for famished swimmers to enjoy after their stints in the pool.

The teams now enter the most important stage of the Swimathon as they collect donations pledged to them before the event.

Mr Cooper added: "The mood was of fun and excitement and clearly everyone enjoyed the event.