Journalists from local newspapers in Devon donned their swimming costumes and trunks to take part in a charity challenge.

The six-strong team, made up of journalists from the Sidmouth Herald, Midweek Herald and Exmouth Journal, raised £501.20 in sponsorship for the Cornish-based charity Shelterbox, which sends emergency shelter around the world to countries following natural disasters such as earthquakes and flooding.

The newspaper publisher’s charity arm Archant Gold matched the money to make the total £1,002.40.

Shark’s team captain, Di Bowerman, news editor of the Sidmouth Herald, said: “I was thrilled to receive an e-mail from the company secretary’s PA to say our application for match funding had been approved.

“With £1,002.40 the team can purchase two of the charity’s boxes, which cost about £500 each and provide shelter for a family of up to ten.

“Some of us less fit swimmers may have struggled doing more than three lengths at a time, but to think we are helping to support people who have lost their homes and belongings in a natural disaster is worth the aches and pains.”

Taking part in the challenge were Alain Tolhurst, Katy Griffin, Belinda Bennett, Di Bowerman, Sean Keywood and Kingsley Squire, a former staff member with the Sidmouth Herald.

It is the second year running that Herald Sharks has raised a team to take part in the swimathon, and the second time Archant Gold has match funded their sponsorship.