At Beau Sejour last night were, left to right, Justin Bellinger of event sponsor Sure, Peter Webber of the Round Table, Swimarathon committee chairman Jeff Kitts, Robin Ashworth of the Lions Club, the Dyslexia Day Centre’s Theresa O’Hara, Hedley Watson and Bailiff Geoffrey Rowland. (Picture by Tom Tardif, 0655688)

THOSE who put a special effort into this year’s Swimarathon were commended at an award ceremony at Beau Sejour last night.

Bailiff Geoffrey Rowland and independent chairman of the Swimarathon committee Jeff Kitts presented 35 trophies to teams and individuals.

Mr Kitts said he was thrilled with how the event had gone. ‘Everyone has put in so much effort, both the organisers and those taking part, and we have raised an extraordinary amount of money for local charities,’ he said. ‘The exact final figure is not yet known, but is likely to be into the mid-£40,000 region.’

Categories included outstanding contributions, services for disabled swimming and special endeavours.

‘Last night was a chance to reward those who gave up their time, money and effort to make this year’s event as enormously successful as it has been and, of course, it was an opportunity for everyone to have a bit of fun, too,’ said Mr Kitts.

A total of £20,000 will go to the Dyslexia Day Centre, with another £20,000 being split between the Lions Club Guernsey and the Guernsey Round Table to share between their chosen local charities.