KIERAN Rookes, the 16 year old club captain of Tavistock Swimming Club, challenged himself to a marathon swim.

He did it to raise money towards the Urban Saints Re-build expedition to Mexico that he plans to undertake with others from his youth group at Mutley Baptist Church in Plymouth.

Kieran from Sheepstor, would like to be a doctor and is studying for his 'A' levels at Devonport High for Boys, decided to swim the distance of the English Channel at Meadowlands Pool in Tavistock.

This he achieved over two days taking 10 hours of swim time. Kieran and his family and friends who were supporting him, celebrated with croissants when he 'arrived in France'.....

Kieran has now raised more than £1,000 for the expedition, which will take place in the spring of 2014 when the group plans to build a house for a family in extreme poverty.

Kieran thanks everyone who sponsored him, Tavistock Swimming Club for all their support and encouragement and to the management and staff at Meadowlands pool who facilitated the time and space needed.