WEST Devon swimmers made a huge splash by raising nearly £2, 500 in this year?s Butlins Swimathon ? the world?s largest sponsored swim marathon.

The swimathon in March raised a total of £1.9 million and this impressive amount marks the end of a successful 18th year ? with over 21,000 swimmers diving into 570 pools across the country to boost funds for Macmillan Cancer Relief and The Swimathon Foundation.

At the Meadowlands Leisure Pool in Tavistock, £1,261 was raised, Okehampton Swimming Pool raised £469 and Kelly College Swimming Pool raised £689.

President of the Butlins Swimathon Duncan Goodhew, MBE, said: ?Congratulations to everyone who took part this year and helped us reach the third highest total in our 18-year history! The event has come a long way since 2,500 swimmers tested the water in a handful of pools back in 1986.

?Following the success of this year?s event we will be looking to make next year even bigger and better. Well done and happy swimming in 2004.?