A TEENAGER has taken teamwork to new depths in a bid to swell the coffers of the new pool appeal in Grange-over-Sands.

Sam Grundy recruited 14 of her fellow Grange Swimming Club members to take part in a sponsored relay swim along the length of Windermere, England's longest lake.

The 13-year-old, who lives on Highfield Road, said the team was aiming to raise £1,000 towards the £335,000 partnership funding needed to secure Cartmel Peninsular Recreational Trust's £2.5 million lottery grant.

"I wanted to do something to help raise money and I thought swimming was a good idea seeing as how we want a swimming pool," she said.

"I mentioned it and everybody wanted to help out."

The team was helped in preparations by swimming coach Mike Best and Sam's grandmother Anne Postlethwaite who swam the lake single-handedly and has also swum across Grange bay.

"She gave us lots of tips about how to keep our head out of the water and not breathe when the waves are coming over," she said.

The eager participants in the ten-and-a-half mile swim ranged from Sam's nine-year-old brother Martin to Deborah England who is 18.

Sam whose other brother Steven, 11, also participated said: "We have raised around £300 in sponsorship in this family."

The swimmers set off from Fell Foot at 9am on Sunday, with the National Trust allowing them special access, and completed the relay an hour earlier than expected, with Sam completing the final leg.

Swimmers were accompanied by boats from Shepherds Boatyard in Bowness, decorated with banners sponsored by Prontaprint in Kendal, and St John Ambulance volunteers supervised the event.

Club Secretary Joyce Best said the swimmers had been "little troupers."

"It was wonderful," she said.

"We had so much support on the day and everyone has been so generous.

I think they all deserve a gold medal."

If anyone would like to sponsor the swim contact Sam on 015395-34336.