EAGER fundraisers made a big splash as they took to the swimming pool to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

The annual Basingstoke Lions’ swimathon saw around 65 swimmers in teams of six compete to swim as many lengths of the swimming pool at Basingstoke Sports Centre as they could in 30 minutes.

Organisations that took part included AXA Wealth, Basingstoke Mencap, Hospital Radio Basingstoke, and local swimming club Basingstoke Bluefins.

Participants were cheered on by their family and friends from the centre’s viewing gallery.

The event, which last year celebrated its 30th birthday, is free to enter and the money raised is split between organisations supported by Basingstoke Lions, and charities of each team’s choice.

Swimmers on the evening helped to raise £1,800 for the club, an improvement on last year’s sum of £1,500.

Tony Bamburger, fundraising chairman for Basingstoke Lions, told The Gazette: “It was very successful – we had extra teams and raised a considerable amount more than last year. Everybody who took part loved it.”