Earlier this year, sports trust Tees Active challenged its customers to swim 21 miles, a distance equivalent to crossing the English Channel, in its pools and 23 of them were up to the task, raising money for the Butterwick Hospice along the way.

The Channel Challenge swimmers clocked up the miles gradually completing 1,344 lengths of Splash or Thornaby Pool, or 1,004 lengths at Billingham Forum.

Tees Active managing director Steve Chaytor presented Diane Williamson from Butterwick Hospice with a cheque for £6,879.99 on behalf of the swimmers.

Diane said: 'It is truly brilliant that these people chose to support the Channel Challenge and raise funds for their local hospice, the final amount raised is fantastic they should all be really proud of themselves.'

The trust plans to make the challenge and annual event.