A GREAT grandfather who took up exercise to combat his health problems has completed a charity biathlon.

Brian Howe was one of the last people to take to the water in St James Pool, Taunton, ahead of its closure as he swam a quarter of a mile.

Brian, aged 66, of Holford Road, who has angina, vertigo and arthritis, then hopped on a battery-assisted trike for a 24-mile cycle along the Bridgwater to Taunton Canal.

His efforts have so far raised approaching £500 for the Work-Wise job club, where he volunteers twice a week at Taunton United Reformed Church.

"I've been having regular swimming lessons at St James Pool for about two years following a heart by pass and my other health problems," said Brian, who used to own the Corner Shop, in Bishops Lydeard.

"I wasn't a good swimmer before and my instructor is helping with my technique.

"The biathlon was a challenge and it was rewarding to complete it."

Brian, who had to give up his part-time job as a coach driver after suffering a combined angina and vertigo attack at the wheel of a minibus, was accompanied on the trike ride by pool manager Natascha Farmery and his swimming coach Alex Lock.

They received a send off from Taunton Deane Mayor Cllr Vivienne Stock-Williams and being welcomed at the Boat and Anchor, Huntworth, by Bridgwater Town Mayor Alex Glassford.

Brian has two grown-up children, four great grandchildren and two great grandchildren, with another on the way.