A YEAR ago a group of young swimmers raised hundreds of pounds for a cancer charity, cheered on by parents and friends.

This year they did it again - but this time without the backing of 18-year-old Anna Saxby's father, Bob, who lost his battle against cancer.

Last year Mr Saxby, of Ravensdale Walk, Darlington, was well enough to watch the youngsters take part in the annual sponsored Swimathon to raise money for cancer research.

But last month he was missing from the poolside as Anna and five friends, aged 11 to 18, took part in this year's event, this time raising nearly £500 for the Macmillan County Durham Appeal.

The youngsters, known as Bob's Bobbers in tribute to Anna's father, hope their efforts at Darlington's Dolphin Centre will help Macmillan reach its target of raising £600,000 to improve care for cancer patients and their families in County Durham.

"We really enjoyed it," said Anna, who praised members of Blackwell Golf Club, Darlington, where her father used to play.

Club members raised more than £200 for charity by holding a competition in memory of Mr Saxby.

The other swimmers were Helen Sayers, Abigail Finch, Mary Hamilton, Andrew Eyre and Jamie Rutherford, all of whom go to either Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College or Hummersknott School, in Darlington.

* Volunteers who want to help the Macmillan appeal should contact its office on 0191-378 1188.