A 79-YEAR-old man has just completed a challenge to swim 2,500 lengths of the Wellington Sports Centre pool — the equivalent distance across the channel to France and back, to raise money for his church.

Town resident, Richard Elloway began swimming at the sports centre on Tuesday, June 17, and has now completed the challenge, two months on, tackling his final lengths on Wednesday, August 20.

In total, Mr Elloway swam 2,500 lengths of the Wellington pool, which equates to 45 miles - the equivalent distance between Dover and Calais twice.

After numerous weekly sessions at the pool to complete his target, Richard is now following up on sponsorship promises to raise funds for St John the Baptist Church on Wellington’s High Street.

With the money raised, Mr Elloway hopes to improve the accessibility of the church by purchasing and installing a new electric door.

According to his friend and churchwarden at St John’s, Andrew Richard, Mr Elloway has “a record for helping to improve the lives and facilities for those in need”.

He added: “This is his latest effort is to put in place access facilities for people with mobility challenges at St John’s Church and its community hall.

“A new electrically operated rear door will assist not only those who attend the church but the many people who take part in the community activities.”

Mr Elloway, who admits to being of an older generation, said: “I have always loved swimming and at my age I am fortunate to be able to use my reasonable fitness to do what I can to improve the provision of support for friends and others with mobility challenges.”

With the backing of local people, and a sponsor who has pledged a limited guarantee to double the amount up to £5,000, Richard hopes to raise the necessary £7,000 needed to afford the new doors.