A SUPERFIT swimmer has put his skills to good use to raise funds for children's charity Barnardo's.

Mike Timbrell, 58, from Hilperton, swam 100 miles to mark the 100 years since the death of charity founder Dr Thomas Barnardo. He completed the equivalent of 3,200 lengths of the 50-metre pool at Bath University, raising £750 for the Tapestry project at the West Wiltshire Intensive Family Service, Fore Street, Trowbridge.

Mr Timbrell visited the pool for an hour twice a week, adding an average of 50 lengths to his total each time. He said: "It was hard work maintaining a weekly discipline to ensure I was always on target, but completing the 100 miles was very satisfying.

"It was great to know that the effort was supporting such a worthy cause." The Tapestry project, administered by Barnardo's South West, offers help and advice to families with children under the age of 11. It offers advice and help to families affected by domestic violence, abuse and many other problems.

Tapestry spokesman Georgina Knappe said: "We are sincerely grateful to Mike for raising so much money after such a gruelling challenge. "His generous donation will help us to continue our work to support the most vulnerable children and young people, helping them to transform their lives and fulfil their potential."