You’re going to great lengths to back a wonderful charity this weekend as Swimathon returns.

Sunday, 8th May 2022, 1:40 pm

And we want to help you get into the spirit of the occasion with a look back at some archive swimming scenes from across Wearside and County Durham.

More than 450 pools across the UK are hosting Swimathon sessions until Sunday, including a number in the Sunderland area.

And in the meantime, let’s float back in time to these scenes from Farringdon, Hetton, Hendon, Sunderland Aquatic Centre and Peterlee.

5. Champions in consecutive years

Back to 2003 for this view of pupils from Dame Dorothy Primary School who had won a swimming gala for the second year running.

Photo: MM

6. All for charity in Farrindon

Pupils from Farringdon Academy swam the equivalent distance of crossing the English Channel, to raise money for Project Gambia in 2014.

Photo: Picture by David Allan

Members of the City of Sunderland Swimming Club were pictured before a training session at the Raich Carter pool in 2005.

Photo: TY

A swimming gala at Hetton Marina for four Sunderland schools. Who do you recognise in this photo from 8 years ago?

Photo: Picture by Sophie Bell

Page 2 of 3