A wave of enthusiasm has swept over an East Hampshire school as pupils are going the extra length to support a much-loved children’s charity.

Lucy Savage, Ellen Bailey and Phoebe Gates have urged well-wishers to splash out as they near the end of a marathon swimming challenge for Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital.

The trio from St Matthew’s Primary School in Blackmoor are making great waves in a bid to swim 8km over March at the Whitehill & Bordon Leisure Centre pool.

The trio have taken to the challenge like a fish taking to water as they were already taking weekly swimming lessons at the pool before signing up.

“I’m doing it for children who are less lucky than us,” said eleven-year-old, Ellen, adding: “They helped my dad when he was young I want to help them in return.”

Lucy said: “I’m really enjoying it and my record is 52 lengths in one go.

“I found out about this through my Mum and wanted to do it – I have found it very challenging but good.”

The 8k swimming challenge is a national initiative with participants getting badges for every 1k completed. The fundraising trio have showed plenty of determination, often taking to the water at 6.30am to squeeze in a few lengths before school.

Ten-year-old Lucy added: “I just also want to say thank you to all the people who have already sponsored me.”

Eleven-year-old Phoebe said: “I’m doing this swim to raise money for a great cause which has helped lots of children like some of my friends.

“By sponsoring us, you’re helping to give seriously ill children the best chance and the best childhood possible.”

The trio originally set out to raise £150 but their total is £700 at the time of writing, to donate visit https://shorturl.at/O53zc