AN asthmatic 11-year-old from Melksham who set himself the goal of swimming the equivalent of Loch Ness has completed his challenge.

Ciaran Hanks, of Hazelwood Road, finished the last leg of his marathon swimming challenge in the Blue Pool at Melksham.

In doing so, he completed 1,454 lengths of the 25-metre pool – the equivalent of swimming 36.33km from one end of Loch Ness to the other.

He also raised more than £450 for the MS Society – £250 more than his initial £200 target.

Ciaran was joined by Kieran Baggs and the players and staff of Melksham Town Football Club for the grand finale.

A pupil at Melksham Oak School, Ciaran said: “I’m really pleased with what I’ve achieved and all the support I’ve received from everyone, the MTFC staff and players for swimming my final lengths with me was awesome!

“I’d like to thank everyone that has donated to make this challenge another success. I’m just planning which challenge I might do next year and which charity it’ll be for. I just love swimming.”

Mum and Dad, Caroline and Jason Hanks, added: “We are both extremely proud of all that Ciaran has achieved.

“Neither of us can swim so it’s great to see the enjoyment he gets from doing these challenges and helping other people in the process.

“The amount of support, words of encouragement and donations - some from people we’ve never met - is awesome. “

Last year, Ciaran completed a challenge to swim the equivalent of crossing the English Channel.

To support Ciaran, please send donations to the MS Society UK or log into his JustHttps://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/LochNessAdventure