Children in Mansfield and Ashfield have raised £402 for three children’s charities.

The youngsters at baby and child swim school Puddle Ducks took part in a charity PJ Week at Every Sensation, Sutton, and Fitness Flex, Mansfield.

They were swimming to help the Emily Harris Foundation, which offers financial support to the King’s Mill Hospital Neonatal Unit at Sutton; Rainbows children’s hospice; and Zephyr’s, a centre based in Nottingham City Hospital that offers support to families who have experienced the loss of a pregnancy or the death of a baby or child.

Puddle Ducks has hosted the PJ Week since 2012. Youngsters and their parents leave their swimming trunks and costumes at home to raise money for charity while wearing their favourite pyjamas.

Liz Gabriel, co-owner of Puddle Ducks Nottinghamshire and North Leicestershire, said: “We are so proud to be able to raise money for not one but three wonderful charities.

“The start of our PJ Week coincided with Baby Loss Awareness Week, which gave us an extra reason to raise as much money as possible for these causes.”

Puddle Ducks provides swimming classes for children from birth to 10.

Its teachers focus on creating a nurturing but tailored environment, which supports independent swimming for children of all abilities.

Liz added: “If children fall into a body of water, it is likely that they will be fully clothed.

“This is why PJ Week is also so important, as it teaches our little swimmers that they can still swim, reach for safety and turn even when wearing their pyjamas.”

For more information about Puddle Ducks Nottinghamshire and North Leicestershire, call 07906 191504 or visit www.puddleducks.com/local-teams/nottinghamshire-north-leicestershire