Soldiers beat choppy waters in Channel swim

The group raised almost £6,000 for a charity which helps fusiliers in need

A soldier who led a team in a swim across the English Channel says she is "proud" of the group's achievement.

The seven soldiers from The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, based in Tidworth in Wiltshire, became the first mixed gender infantry team to complete the swim from Dover to Calais.

Keeley Lloyd-Janes said the 21 mile (34km) route became 33 miles (53km) because conditions were so choppy.

The team finished on 10 July after a 15 hours and 27 minute swim. Nearly £6,000 was raised for Fusiliers Aid Society.

"We had a really choppy tide so we had to swim away from our route then back onto it.

"The team did so well.... everyone pushed really hard towards our goal," Ms Lloyd-Janes said.

The team said conditions were tough

The team leader said she was "so proud" of the group, who battled jellyfish, seasickness and strong wind.

"Going back in at night for a third time in pitch black was a real push, I had to have that determination to do it. But being in the army gives you that resilience," she added.

Ms Lloyd-Janes said she hoped reaching the mixed gender group milestone would inspire future female army recruits to do the same.

Fusiliers Aid Society supports serving and retired fusiliers and their families during hardship.