LOCAL baby and child swim school Puddle Ducks jumped at the chance to take part in a water-based fundraising event.

After two years of Covid cancellations the Rotary Club’s Northwich Swimathon finally took place at Memorial Court Swimming Pool.

Teams from all over the town got involved, including Puddle Ducks, whose 'Puddle's Ducklings' team performed amazingly.

The team consisted of five passionate swimmers: swimming teachers Sam Elliot, Amy French and Ali Beckman; Ruth Nelson, the brand and marketing director at Puddle Ducks HQ, and eight-year-old Emily Mills, an ex-Puddle Ducks and Swim Academy swimmer.

Puddle’s Ducklings took to the pool and racked up a huge total of 130 lengths in 55 minutes. This went towards the grand total of 3,580 lengths swam by the 25 teams who took part.

They collectively swam the distance between Northwich and Lancaster.

They also helped to raise funds towards the target of £10,000 for the Rotary Charity.

Eight-year-old Emily said: "It was so much fun. 

"I love to swim and I got to do some really quick lengths.

"We all had a great time and it was so nice to see so many people enjoying swimming and raising money for charity."

Rachel Bateson, franchise manager at Puddle Ducks Mid-Cheshire added: "It was so lovely for Puddle Ducks to take part in the swimathon, especially after two years of cancellations.

"Our whole team are passionate about the water and teaching children to love swimming and to grow their confidence, and events like this are another great way to encourage a love for the water.

"We launched our own pool in the town back in September, and its so nice to be able to fundraise alongside local businesses for local charities, and to really help the community in which we operate, and most of our team live."

Even the Puddle Ducks mascot, Puddle the Duck attended to cheer on the swimmers.