POOLE’S annual swimathon has been hailed a huge success, despite a number of teams dropping out at the last minute.

Seven teams were unable to meet the Saturday deadline for the start of the two-day event, but that didn’t stop the 85 teams that did take part from generating record-breaking results.

Swimathon organiser Harold Brown – of the Poole Lions Club – said: “It went exceptionally well. Even though less teams started, compared to last year, we raised significantly more money on the day.”

The total raised over the two 12-hour weekend sessions – where swimmers completed the same distance as a Poole to Cherbourg round trip – smashed the £18,700 mark, compared to just £15,600 last year.

Even Poole Mayor Cllr Graham Wilson took a dip at the Poole Dolphin swimming pool event, on Sunday, raising £60.

Mr Brown said: “I must commend everyone who took part in the event – including the people who gave up their free time to help organise and ensure everything ran smoothly.”

This year, the money will be split among the Poole Cancer Trust, Victoria School, Home Start South East, The Purple Teardrop campaign – to stamp out human trafficking – and Poole Young Carers.

The swimarathon – which has made more than £500,000 in its 34-year-history – is organised by Poole Lions in association with Poole Bay Rotary and Poole Soroptimists.

Mr Wilson said: “I used to take part, but those days are over now.

“About 13 years ago, when my granddaughter was the youngest swimmer competing, we had an Olympic swimmer opening the event.

“She dived into lane eight and I dived into lane one. By the time I got to the halfway mark I came up to take a breath, looked up, and she was already getting out the pool.

“I decide that was the right time to pack it in and concentrate on the organisation.”