A GROUP of young swimmers from Hampshire went in at the deep end to complete a marathon 24-hour swim in Belgium.

Members of the team from Wildern Sports Centre in Hedge End were awarded medals to match the distances they swam, with one gold for swimming more than 20,000 metres, 13 silver for completing 10,000 metres, and 24 bronze for 3,000 metres, presented to the youngsters.

Most of the swimmers had graduated from Southern Water's Learn to Swim campaign.

Learn to Swim co-ordinator and former international swimmer Lynda O'Brien said: "Considering the travelling, the lack of sleep and the fact that many of the swimmers were youngsters, this was a magnificent haul of medals."