TWO swimmers from Colne received prizes from TV's Gaby Roslin after setting the country's fastest times in the BT Swimathon.

Ken Braithwaite, 40, of Netherleys Close, and Tony Catterall, 50, of Alkincoats Road, both swam three miles in around one hour and 10 minutes to clinch first places in their age groups.

They were among the Swimathon participants at Pendle Leisure Centre who raised £1,322 for charity. Nationally the event raised £1.3 million for 26 charities.

Ken and Tony went to the awards ceremony at BT Tower, London, to collect their prizes.

BT's community affairs boss Rodger Broad said: "I congratulate everyone involved in BT Swimathon 97 for their magnificent effort in raising so much money for so many worthwhile causes."

Another of the swimmers at Pendle Leisure Centre, Accrington's Thomas Sweeting, 70 , picked up the award for the over-70s age group by completing the three miles in one hour 35 minutes.

Pendle's effort was matched by the one at Burnley's Thompson Centre, where they raised £1,369.

Next year's Swimathon will by launched later this month.

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