A record number of swimmers took part in the fifth Charity Swimathon, organised by Mansfield Rotary and The Armchair Club — and organisers are hopeful it will have topped last year’s fundraising total.

Among the swimmers were many individuals and teams from local businesses, charities, and groups as well as international names from the sport.

Members of Sutton Swimming Club took part for a third year and they were joined by Mansfield Swimming Club for the first time.

There were also teams from 776 Gymnastics, North Notts Hockey Club, and The Brunts Academy, Mansfield.

Mansfield’s double Olympic gold medal winning swimmer Rebecca Adlington; her daughter, Summer; and Commonwealth Games medallist Elliot Clogg again supported the event.

Elliot hopes to make the GB Olympic team in Paris next year and took time out of his busy training schedule at Loughborough University to join the fundraiser.

The president of Mansfield Rotary, Ray Malkowski, who presented each swimmer with a commemmorative medal, said: “The swimathon was another great success with many of our Rotarians volunteering their time to ensure we raised more money for charities and good causes.

“I want to thank all the swimmers for taking advantage of this opportunity to raise funds for their favourite charities.

“The number of lengths swum by all those taking part is being calculated and will shortly be advised to all the swimmers, but its already clear that significantly more pool lengths have been completed than in any of the previous four events.

“Expectations are high that more money has been raised, adding to the £18,000 raised over the first four events.”

The event was held at the Water Meadows Swimming and Fitness Complex, Mansfield — with Education Mutual and HW Martin Group again the main sponsors, for a fifth time

Sponsorship was based on the number of lengths swum. Half of the money raised by each team of up to six went to their chosen cause — an organisation or charity — with the remaining 50% being shared by Mansfield Rotary’s Benevolent Fund and The Armchair Club Sports Foundation Trust.

Both organisations will use the funds raised across the local community as part of their support work.

The Armchair Club is a group of local businessmen and women, who have been providing financial support for local sports people since 1982.

Special thanks went to More Leisure Community Trust and staff at Water Meadows, who donated pool time, lifeguards, and staff support.

A spokesman for The Armchair Club thanked the sponsors of the six swim lanes — Mansfield 103.2, Kath Jephson, I-Sourcer, West Nottinghamshire College, Plastek, and Hopkins Solicitors.