BBC radio staff complete swim challenge

The team was made up of (l-r) Breakfast newsreader Dan Freeman, journalists Jordan Brooks and Sophie Rumsby, apprentice Jem Westgate, and Breakfast Show presenter Sophie Law

BBC Radio Oxford's swimming team have successfully completed their Children in Need challenge, covering 24 miles (38.6km) in a week.

Groups from BBC radio stations across the UK took part in The Thousand Mile Challenge.

The local group was made up of Breakfast Show presenter Sophie Law, Breakfast newsreader Dan Freeman, journalists Sophie Rumsby and Jordan Brooks, and apprentice Jem Westgate.

They swam 63 lengths each day at Ferry Leisure Centre in Summertown, Oxford, to reach their target.

During their challenge the team experienced inspiring highs, such as self-professed "non-swimmer" Dan from Wantage joining the team after being motivated by their efforts, as well as earth-shattering lows, for instance when Mr Freeman forgot his swimming trunks on only the second day.

Listener Dan - who had never taken his feet off the bottom of a pool before - was inspired to join the challenge

But it also saw Mr Brooks, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a baby, show off the swimming skills he has excelled at since he was a boy, and an anonymous £500 donation on the fourth day which lifted everyone's spirits.

Ms Law and Mr Freeman also received advice from gold medal-winning Olympic swimmer Kieran Bird ahead of the challenge.

'Very emotional'

Upon completing the swim Ms Law said it was now time for "carb loading, wine, and bed".

She said the final length was "very emotional" as listener Dan joined in for "his first ever length of a pool".

Jordan Brooks showed off the swimming skills he has excelled at since he was a boy

Ms Rumsby said: "There’s been ups and downs but finally we've finished.

"I think we're all super proud that we managed to complete the challenge but also relieved it’s over. Time for a rest now."

"After a very long week, it was good to get to the finish line as a team," Mr Brooks added.

"An amazing effort, and to see Dan join us and swim his very first length was inspiring.

"I’d definitely be up for another challenge next year - anyone got any ideas?"

BBC local radio stations have raised more than £100,000 in the swim challenge so far.

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