ALLOA went to great lengths to support the Rotary Club's global Swimarathon fundraiser at the weekend.

Seven local teams of swimmers dipped into the pool at the Leisure Bowl to help raise cash for the rotary's End Polio Now charity, as well as for other good causes, on Saturday, February 25.

During the sponsored event, the groups managed to complete 381 lengths in one-and-a-half hours, raising more than £2,500.

Organiser Malcolm McArdle, of Alloa Rotary Club, was delighted after a successful day of raising money to help beat the disease.

He said: “This was a fantastic effort by all concerned, our swimmers, club members, volunteers and the team at the Alloa Leisure Bowl, without whom we could not have been able to stage the event.

“We raised significant sponsorship from seven local firms, Energy Utilities of Alva were our main sponsors.”

Sauchie Guides and Scouts were taking part to raise cash for the International Scout Moot and also worked towards their Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Alloa Community Enterprises (ACE) entered two teams who were swimming for Young Adult Carers and Alloa Musical Players.

Team Maguire were making a splash for the polio campaign alongside Alloa Rotary Club, which also entered a pair of squads.

Swimmers were organised into relay teams and raced to see who can get the furthest in 30 minutes.

They were cheered on by families, friends and colleagues with those taking part ranging in age from youngsters to pensioners.

Malcolm is planning to stage the event next year too, after organising it for the first time this year.

He is keen to hear from other groups who would like to take part, email him at m.mcardle@recycleit.org.uk or call him at the ACE office on 01259 215 090.