BBC team begin Children in Need swim challenge

The team swam almost 5.5 miles (9km) between them on Monday

The BBC Radio Berkshire swim team have completed the first day of their Children in Need challenge.

Groups from BBC radio stations across the UK are taking part in The Thousand Mile Challenge, with each station attempting to cover 24 miles (38.6km) throughout the week.

On Monday, the five-person team completed 357 lengths between them at Palmer Park Leisure Centre in Reading - which is almost 5.5 miles (9km).

Swimmer Sali Shobowale said day one was "tough" but her team - and the cause they were swimming for - motivated her to keep going.

"I'm so glad we did it," she said.

"There were times during the swim where I felt tired and felt like giving up, but seeing my teammates swimming alongside me really gave me the push I needed to carry on."

The team are bracing themselves for a "tough" day on Tuesday

The full team is Ms Shobowale, Katherine Bett, Phil Mercer, Rena Annobil and Ben Pritchard.

Ms Bett said there were "quite a few nerves" on Monday morning but the team "surpassed our own expectations", with both Mr Mercer and Ms Shobowale swimming "further than they'd ever swum before".

Mr Mercer "battled through cramp in his legs", but the team had to stay positive - especially because the challenge is only going to get harder.

"Apparently day two is the hardest, after the excitement of the start of the challenge fades away," said Ms Bett.

"So we're all trying to brace ourselves for a tough one tomorrow."

To find out more, head to bbc.co.uk/swim.

Radio station teams across the UK are swimming for Children in Need