OVER 2000 people from across the Scottish Borders helped to raise money for charity last week by taking part in the Big Splash swimming weekend.

Border Sport and Leisure Trust joined forces with British Swimming to deliver The Big Splash and inspire local residents to take part.

The weekend, April, 27 - 29 was devised to encourage young people to visit their local pools and swim 40 lengths for charity. Many people participating also gained sponsorship for their swims and pledged it to Sport Relief, the event's selected charity.

Participants in Galashiels included staff from the Asda store, who released ducks into the pool, as well as Tweed Canoe Club, local residents and The Borders Barmy Army - in their kilts.

Ewan Jackson, Chief Executive of Borders Sport & Leisure Trust, told the Border Telegraph: "It's brilliant to see hundreds of local people using our pools as part of the Big Splash.� We have some fabulous swimming facilities in the Scottish Borders and are always looking for ways to encourage more people to come and take advantage of them.� "Swimming is a brilliant activity as it is suitable for people of all ages and is a great way for families to have fun together."

The generous participants were encouraged to swim a mile either on their own or with a team for Sport Relief 2012.