BBC team complete 'exhausting' CiN swim challenge

The BBC Radio Berkshire team relaxed in a hot tub after completing the challenge

A team from BBC Radio Berkshire have completed their swim challenge for Children in Need.

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

The Berkshire team was made up of presenters Phil Mercer and Rena Annobil, and journalists Sali Shobowale, Katherine Bett and Ben Pritchard.

The swimmers exceeded their own expectations and said it was their teammates that kept them going when things got tough.

Ms Annobil said the team had a strong bond

The team swam a total of 24.7 miles (39.8km) between them.

Ms Shobowale, who was a swimming beginner before the challenge, said she was "really proud" of herself.

"I'm surprised that I actually managed to do more than I thought I would," she said.

"My team has kept me going this whole week and today, just us swimming alongside each other, really encouraged me."

Ms Annobil also said the team kept her going, saying "there's been a little bit of trauma bonding".

Ms Bett, one of the more experienced team members, said she was "so proud" of everyone.

"They've built up from I think about 20 lengths in their first training session, now they've done 62 every day this week," she said.

"They're hitting personal bests left, right and centre and it is phenomenal."

Mr Mercer said he "secretly" enjoyed the challenge, but that it was "exhausting"

Mr Pritchard, who is also a Paralympic gold medallist, said everyone was "fantastic", joking: "They didn't even need me."

Mr Mercer said he "secretly" enjoyed it, but it was "exhausting".

"It's been more than I have ever done physically in my life... it's really pushing boundaries I did not know I had," he said.

"I will keep swimming, it's absolutely going to stay in my life, but I might have a week off."

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