MORE than 100,000 lengths of Wiveliscombe’s outdoor swimming pool were swum by supporters taking part in a fund-raising ‘1927 challenge’.

Between them they raised nearly £6,000 toward Wivey Pool’s £250,000 revamp project which will see a new heated pool house built.

Swimmers of all ages and abilities, across the fast, medium, and ‘social’ lanes, were challenged to swim 1,927 lengths of the pool in recognition of its 1927 opening, or a variation of the number, between June and the end of August.

Together, they swam 105,960 lengths, equivalent to 1,806 miles, the same distance as driving from Wiveliscombe to Kyiv, in Ukraine, which is the home country of some of the swimmers who took part.

The pool’s ‘fit for the future’ project aims to ensure it will continue for another 100 years.

Plans include a pavilion to provide a warm area for swimmers and spectators, a room for children to learn lifesaving skills, a community space, and a training area for staff and lifeguards.

Wivey Pool lifeguard and chairman Liz Hurry said: “While fund-raising was the original aim, it quickly became clear that participants embraced the personal challenge, pushing themselves well beyond 1,927 lengths.

“Together, we are well on our way to making the pool house a reality.”

Some of the swimmers decided to complete twice the target number of lengths, or more, with Louise Hunt hitting the 1,927 target after just 16 days and going on to swim a total of 17,362 lengths of the 27-metre pool.

Ms Hurry said: “A huge thank you to all 50 of our 1927ers.

“Their dedication, both in and out of the pool, has made this challenge a resounding success.”

Wivey Pool has also just held the last of this season’s ‘dimpsy dip’ late night swims, which coincided with the ‘blood moon’ phenomenon.