A team of dedicated fundraisers have handed over more than £15,000 to good causes after completing an epic swimming challenge.

The 15-strong group, all from the Wigton area, came up with the 777 Challenge, which saw them swim across seven Lake District lakes in just seven days.

Taking on a mile each day, the team of self-confessed novice swimmers completed a total of eight miles over the week.

Swimmers Stephen Wharton, John Harrison, Victoria Wharton, Cameron Harrison, Paul Harrison, Tracy Harrison, Rachel Harrison, Paul Benson, Shelly Harrison, Judy Williamson, Callie Paterson, Julie Wills, Lucy Harrison and Graham Little finished their quest in Coniston last month.

To get themselves ready they had specialist fitness sessions with Frank Pattinson at Wigton Baths.

It was at that venue that they reunited to hand over the money raised from their epic challenge - £15,630.

The cash will help two of Cumbria's hospices.

Cath Coates, fundraiser for Hospice at Home, said: "We were absolutely delighted to hear about the success of the challenge and the great funds raised by the team.

"The sum donated to Hospice at Home will provide many hours of vital care for local patients who wish to remain at home at the end stages of life, which will make a huge difference to them and their families at a very difficult time.

"Over the past few years the charity has seen a dramatic increase in referrals and the support from our local community is more crucial than ever before.

"We would like to thank all of the swimmers for their great kindness and congratulate them on this fantastic achievement.

"We would also like to express our gratitude to all of their donors for their incredible generosity."

Katrina Sander, community and events fundraising manger for Eden Valley Hospice, said: “We are all overwhelmed about the amazing success of the challenge and valuable income raised from the challenge.

"We would like to say a huge thank you to all of the fundraisers who took part and hope you all had an enjoyable and memorable time swimming throughout the Lake District.

“The money raised in aid of Eden Valley Hospice will help our multi disciplinary team to provide the highest standards of care, support and activities to local adults with life limiting illnesses."

There was no slacking off work either for the group, as they all carried out their normal working day before heading straight out to the lakes to swim.

Some supporters cycled miles to watch every day.

During the challenge they completed swims in Wastwater, Crummock Water, Bassenthwaite lake, Ullswater, Buttermere, Derwent Water and Coniston.