A 64-year-old has completed his 30th Swimathon in 30 years, one of only four who have completed it every year since it was founded.

Jim Wright, of Richmond Avenue, Highams Park, completed the five kilometres, or 200 lengths endurance event, on Friday (March 18) at Chingford Leisure Centre.

He completed it in one hour and 49 minutes, raising £135 for Macmillan Cancer Support and Sport Relief in the process.

The Swimathon was set up by Olympic breast stroke gold medallist Duncan Goodhew, with the first being held in London in December 1986.

Two years later the annual event was rolled out nationally and has been held across pools all over the country each year in March or April.

Mr Wright said: “It all started back in 1986 when I used to swim in central London when I worked there.

“I saw a sheet pinned up which was advertising a swimming challenge, I thought I would give it a try.

“Little did I know that I would be doing it every year since.

“I was actually a little disappointed with my time this year, my record many years ago was one hour and 34 minutes.”

Mr Wright has always been a keen swimmer, but since being made redundant two years ago he makes sure to clock up 100 lengths three mornings each week and another 50 one evening.

He is listed in the Swimathon Hall of Fame with only three other swimmers who have taken part since 1986.

He added that back in 2002 he managed to complete the Swimathon even though he was recovering from a broken collar bone.

Mr Wright, who has lived in Highams Park since 2000, said: “I could not use my left arm but I wanted to complete it to keep the record going.

“I did it in just under three hours so I was happy with that.

“The Swimathon is a huge challenge, you have to pace yourself otherwise the last lengths are a struggle, I keep returning each year to prove to myself I can still swim that distance.

“Of course I will be doing it next year too."