YOUNGSTERS at a village primary school near Devizes braved the chilly waters of their outdoor pool to raise money for an outdoor activities area.

The children at Rowde Primary took part in a swimathon and covered between them a distance equivalent to crossing The Channel.

Members of Rowde Academy Friends and Teachers led by Lisa Wills organised the big swim and pupils got family and friends to sponsor them for their relay efforts. Younger children covered five lengths at a time and older ones did 15 to reach the 21-mile total that was needed.

The school is encouraging its children to have as much physical activity as possible and has formed its own running club and wants to create a running track at the school as well as improve its play area so it can be used for outdoor lessons.

Earlier this year members of the club took part in the Lacock Relish Run. Acting head Sue Hulford said: “Evidence shows there is a correlation between activity and academic success. The running club was also set up to stimulate them and give pupils the spirit of community to help each other.”