BABIES took to the pool as part of a fundraising event in aid of a charity that funds research into pregnancy problems.

Basingstoke Water Babies raised money for the Splashathon, a fundraising event for charity Tommy’s.

On July 22 and 23, babies and toddlers learning to swim at the Hampshire Court Hotel were sponsored to undertake water-based challenges in fancy dress pirate costumes.

Money raised from the event will be used by Tommy’s to fund vital research into stillbirths, premature births and miscarriages.

The classes at Hampshire Court Hotel, run by Louise and Alan Crisford, saw babies from three-monthsold to three-and-a-halfyears- old being set a variety of fun challenges, including swimming through a hoop, gathering floating balls and even swimming underwater.

It is hoped the event will have raised £491,000 for the charity.

Louise Crisford, franchisee of Basingstoke Water Babies, said: “Splashathon helps to raise funds for a really important cause, as well as being a lot of fun for everyone involved.

“We plan to make 2015 a record-breaking year in terms of funds raised and we couldn’t wait to see the children in action in the Hampshire Court Hotel pool, splashing about and having fun, all in the name of charity.

“We hope the local community will dig deep to sponsor the children taking part.”

Jane Brewin, chief executive of Tommy’s, added: “Splashathon has become such a fixture in our calendar and it’s always great to hear how much fun everyone has.

“Its success is down to Water Babies and its clients throwing their weight behind it and showing a real passion for our cause.

“We’d like to thank the franchisee and all the families for taking part and helping Tommy’s to save more babies’ lives.”

To sponsor the babies, visit justgiving.com/Waterbabies-Berkshire-2015.