Toddlers enjoy sponsored fancy dress swim event

Toddlers and parents across south-west England have describing having a splashing time raising money for charity.

The children's swimming school Water Babies hosted a sponsored Splashathon in Exeter, in which toddlers and parents took part in water challenges while wearing pirates and sea creatures fancy dress.

The event raises money for the Children's Alliance and Tommy's charities and organisers said they hoped more than £650,000 would be raised nationwide this year.

Water Babies helper Lucy Abraham said this year's outfits were "brilliant".

The Exeter swim was among events held between 23 June and 6 July.

Ms Abraham said: "It's so much fun, I love watching all the parents and the children competing in all the challenges and challenging themselves as well and the outfits are brilliant."

She explained there is also an important safety lesson for the children.

She said: "It's not likely that you would be wearing a swimsuit if you accidentally fell into water - so feeling what it's like to try and swim in clothing is a safety skill as well."

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