A SPONSORED swim has raised more than £4,000 for a children’s charity.

The NSPCC event at Swindon’s Health Hydro, in Milton Road, involved Paul Hicks who was challenged by appeal patron TV personality and brother-in-law Johnny Ball, pictured, to swim 110 lengths of the pool.

A further 150 members of Swindon Amateur Swimming Club took part raising £4,175 for the appeal.

This was the final event of the NSPCC’s 110 Appeal, in which the charity’s Swindon branch set out to raise £110,000 to celebrate its 110th year fundraising in the town.

The swim was witnessed by Johnny and Di Ball, NSPCC celebrity supporters Jamie Cox and former Miss Swindon Becky Cole.

Olympian Sharron Davies gave her support beforehand.

Swimming club official Andrea Christmas said: “Paul and the children did incredibly well.

“All of the swimmers seemed to beat their previous bests and the little ones in the small pool at Milton Road splashed their way across with such determination it was a pleasure to watch.

“Due to the number of children wanting to take part in the challenge, the sponsored swim was extended to our other evening sessions at Wootton Bassett on Friday and Highworth on Sunday.”

The 110 Appeal has raised £130,000 for the NSPCC.