'Swimarathon' teams racing towards finish

This year's event will benefit seven cancer support charities in the island

An annual "swimarathon" raising money for Jersey charities is entering its final stretch.

The five-day challenge , which is organised by the Lions Club of Jersey, began at the Les Quennevais Sports Centre on Wednesday.

This year's event will benefit seven cancer support charities in the island.

Chris Palmer, chairman of the Lions Swimarathon committee, said more than 3,500 people across 400 teams had participated in this year's event.

Teams, which have allocated swimming times, are responsible for their own fundraising and people are still being invited to sponsor them.

Mr Palmer said: "It's going really well, a great atmosphere.

"It's been going for 53 years now and we've raised almost £4m for charity.

"This year we're raising money for Jersey families affected by cancer which is a great cause close to lots of people hearts, I'm sure.

"It's a time when the whole community gets together to raise money, that's what I like about it the most."