SWIMMERS from Nationwide have been practising their front crawl in aid of a cancer charity.

The Swindon-based building society took over the Link Centre's pool for a swimathon, with proceeds going to Macmillian Cancer Relief, Nationwide's flagship charity this year.

The 22 swimmers each paddled their way for up to 5,000 metres, raising at least £1,000.

Alison Breakspeare, of the society's community relations department, said: "It was a brilliant night. Everyone enjoyed it and there was a real sense of team spirit.

"We have worked with Macmillan on several events and there is a coffee morning coming up later in the year. This is something that Nationwide has been keen to get involved with and support."

The swimathon is a national event which last year attracted 40,000 participants to 525 pools throughout England, Northern Ireland and Wales, raising £2.4 million.