A group of young swimmers raised almost £2,000 for a charity which helps people deal with bereavement.

The team from Puddle Ducks – a swimming school based in West Hertfordshire and Luton – collected the money by completing a number of ‘water safety’ challenges.

Fundraising for St Albans and District Bereavement Matters, they donned their favourite pyjamas before learning vital survival skills.

The £1993.75 raised means Puddle Ducks has brought in £9472.08 for regional charities over the past three years.

Ravneet Bermi, from Puddle Ducks, said: “We’re so proud of all the children, past and present, who have taken part in our charity pyjama event.

“They all came eager to learn and dressed head to toe in their pyjamas. After having done this for a number of years, this is still the highlight of our year.”

This year’s money will go towards providing a service to help and support adults, children, young people and their families, in the St Albans District, who have experienced bereavement or loss which is impacting on their health, well-being or ability to function in their daily life.

Jane Journet, director of Bereavement Matters, said: “We were delighted to be selected to benefit from Puddle Ducks recent fundraising activity week and would like to thank everyone who helped to raise an amazing £1,993.75.

“This money will go directly towards continuing Bereavement Matters important work supporting children, young people and their families after the death of a child, parent, grandparent or other loved one.”