A TEAM of swimmers swam 31 miles in just two hours and raised more than £500 for cerebral palsy sufferer Charlie Mitchell.

Members of Lydney Swimming Club, their coaches and lifeguards set themselves a challenge of a swimathon on Sunday at the Forest Fitness in Lydney. They planned to swim 25,000 metres to match the £25,000 cost of the five-year-old's operation, but exceeded this.

Helen Harding of the club said: "Swimming club members, coaches and lifeguards took part and far exceeded the challenge by swimming a massive 49,600 metres, 1,984 lengths and 31 miles between them. Some swimmers achieved individual distance badges. It was great to help such a worthwhile cause and have fun while doing it!"

Meanwhile, last Friday the students at Dean Academy came into school in non-uniform and raised more than £1,000 for Charlie's operation.

Vice principal, Craig Burns said: "Our students organised a non-uniform day to further support Charlie and we look forward to further fundraising events next term. I am pleased to report that we have already raised well over £1,000 – our students don't stand still and are really dedicated to supporting others. I am extremely proud of them all."

The money raised is part of an ongoing campaign that Sam Zala, aka The Hulk, set-up to raise £25,000 by April for Charlie Mitchell who needs a life-changing operation.