A SIXTY-FIVE year old West Devon swimmer has just swum the distance of the English Channel to raise money for charity.

Sue Behenna, who lives in Crapstone, swam 22 miles in the Meadowlands Pool in Tavistock over a 12 week period to raise money for Aspire — a dedicated charity who works with people with spinal cord injuries.

The challenge is a National Swim challenge run annually in partnership with Zoggs, Swim Trek and Euro Tunnel.

Sue, who was encouraged to take part in the challenge by her swim coach Chris Gallie, principle swim coach at the Meadowlands Pool, said: 'I really wasn't sure if I could complete this swim in the 12 weeks time restriction but after the first four weeks I was averaging two or three miles a week and improving my times with the encouragement of my coach — she gave me extra "oomph".

'Not only do I feel fitter and healthier but I an also helping raise much needed funds to support people paralysed by spinal cord injuries. I tried to keep this in mind while I was pounding out those lengths — all 1,416 of them.'

Sue has raised £50 so far for Aspire and she is still collecting in her sponsorship money.