Swimming challenge takes place across pools in Herefordshire and Worcestershire
Over 400 pools in the UK have been taking part
A swimming challenge has been taking place at pools in Herefordshire and Worcestershire this weekend.
'Swimathon' is being held in over 400 pools across the UK, and aims to encourage adults and children to get involved with the activity.
Former gold medal winning Olympian swimmer Duncan Goodhew MBE is the Swimathon president, and says there's plenty of benefits to taking up the sport.
Swimming in itself is the best form of exercise," Duncan said.
"This is all about taking advantage of swimming, because swimming is one of the things we can do as humans together.
"It's the best all-round sport for you, and it doesn't only help you physically, but it's also great for your mental health."
The challenge allows adults and children to swim distances from 400 metres up to 30,000 metres, in a bid to get whole families involved with the activity.
Duncan says it's brilliant seeing everyone getting involved.
He said: "When you talk to the swimmers whenever they leave the pool, they feel great.
"I often say swimming is where jogging meets yoga, as you get all the benefits of jogging without the wearing and tearing of your body and the joints, while having that mindfulness that yoga brings.
"We get to enter this incredible environment where you can leave all the electronics and everything in the changing rooms, and just be there in the water, it's a fantastic feeling, whether it's for leisure, or competitively at the Olympics."
Droitwich born swimmer Matt Richards won gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in the freestyle relay, and will be looking to add to his medal tally this summer when he competes at the Paris Olympics.