Willing water babies dived into the deep end today to raise funds and awareness for a north Norfolk charity by taking part in a 12 hour swim-a-thon.

Swimmers have been taking it in turns to do lengths of the pool at Kelling Heath Holiday Park from 7am in aid of the north Norfolk branch of Different Strokes.

The charity supports stroke victims, their carers and families and also organises regular social sessions, exercise classes, mini breaks and holidays for its members.

And the underwater endurance event, due to finish at 7pm, is hoped to have netted the group more than �500, which will go towards all of its activities.

Chairman Doug Hoy was among those taking part, completing 80 lengths in half an hour, and said there had been a good turnout. Others to take the plunge included staff from the holiday park, volunteers from the group and its supporters.

Mr Hoy hoped the event would raise more awareness of the group as he said many stroke survivors can feel isolated after being treated.

'It's a just a shame that once they leave hospital they seem to be left alone and left on their own,' he added. 'People sit at home depressed and lonely and just think they're life's over because they have had a stroke.

'But it's not, you have got to get up, dust yourself down and get out there. I did and Different Strokes helps with that.'

The charity is planning more fundraising events this year including a table tennis competition in the summer.

? For more information about the group's work visit www.northnorfolkdifferentstrokes.org.uk