Organisers of Sidmouth’s annual Swimathon have thanked participants for going the extra length for a trio of causes.

In October, 157 swimmers young and old took to the water in aid of Sidmouth Town Band, the Admiral Nurse Campaign and Sidmouth Hospiscare, raising a total of £7,500.

Sidmouth Rotary Club presented the first of three cheques to the town band at the Victoria Hotel on Wednesday.

Each cause will receive £2,500 to put towards projects and services.

Martin Cordy, chairman of Sidmouth Town Band, said: “The money raised through the Swimathon will be used to further the funds for the new Bandroom at St Francis and enable the Band to continue to provide free musical tuition to all those who wish to learn a brass instrument.

“Without the incredible generosity of the Rotary, swimmers and sponsors alike who all gave their time and money freely such projects would not be possible.”

During the afternoon teams from St Johns School, Woodlands Hotel, Sidmouth Parish Church, Kyle Baker Photography, Sid Valley Memory Café, All Saints Church, Sidmouth Hospital, Sidmouth Golf Seniors, Sidmouth Running Club, Sidmouth Hopsiscare, Sid Valley Sharks, the town band, Ottery Garden Centre, Sid Valley Rotary, Sidbury Cricket Club, Sidmouth Rotary Club and the Herald all took part.

Sidmouth Rugby Club and the Lions Club also made a £100 donation to the event.

Swimathon organisation Nigel Sharp said: “Sidmouth Rotary Club would like to thank all the organisations and swimmers for taking part in this annual popular event in making it possible to support charities and good causes in the town.

“Without the support of the entrants the event would not be possible.”

The club will announce the beneficiaries of this year’s event at a later date.

New teams interested in taking part in the event on Saturday, October 7, can contact Nigel on 01395 513168 or email ns5@btinternet.com.