HUNDREDS of swimmers took to the water for the 17th annual Minehead Rotary Swimathon.

The event was held at Butlins Splash pool over eight days with 112 teams taking part.

The teams of six, including schools, businesses, sports and social clubs, had to swim lengths of the 25-meter pool for 55 minutes or 40 minutes for first school teams.

Butlins stepped in to hold the event after the closure of the town’s Aquasplash pool last year and organisers were delighted with the strong turn out.

Bridgwater Swimming Club won the Hawkes Shield for the best team with 192 lengths and Minehead Swimming Club Tornadoes came in second. In third place overall was Grabist Senior from West Somerset Community College with 162 lengths who also won the College Cup for best senior college team.

Liddymore Limpets came in fourth ahead of The Notley Arms who were beaten to the trophy for the best commercial team by Denley Solicitors.

In the first school category Dunster Sharks came first with Knights Templar Hurricanes in second and Old Cleeve finishing in third.

Ivan Jones from the Rotary Club said: “We are very grateful to Butlins for allowing us to once again stage the event at the Splash pool.

“The staff made competitors, spectators and officials very welcome.

“We would like to thank all competitors and everyone who sponsored the swimmers as well as the event sponsors and helpers.”

It is hoped the event will be held at a similar time next year.

For more information call 01643-702231.

For more pick up next week's West Somerset County Gazette - out on Thursday!