A Workington man’s sponsored swim of each of the county’s lakes has paid for new equipment for a martial arts gym in the town.

Pat Carr, of Workington, decided to tackle the mammoth challenge last year to help secure vital safety gear for youngsters at Tapout Knockout.

Carr, who is a 3rd Dan in jiu-jitsu and an instructor at the gym, admitted he was not a top swimmer before starting the swims last April, which raised more than £600.

On the way he had to contend with dropping temperatures, tricky conditions, grumpy geese and fatigue, but Carr came to the end of his challenge in September and admitted it was something he was proud to have completed.

“It was very mentally challenging,” he said.

“But what I found was that every lake had its own different problems.”

Carr thanked Graeme Fearon, Steven Clay, Des Horner, David Carruthers, Jordan Morrison and Susan Hewitt for their support over the months.