While many of their peers are heading off on holiday, a group of Witney teens are using their summer to raise money for charity.

Today, they will be setting off on a 10k swim-a-thon as they look to collect for the Faringdon Day Centre, which organises activities for the elderly.

The students, who are members of the local chapter of the National Citizen Service, have already run a number of bake sales but are now taking on the physical challenge.

Taking place at the Windrush Leisure Centre, each member of the 13-strong team being sponsored £100 to swim 26 laps of the pool.

Among them is Samuel French, 16, who said: “I used to swim, and so did some of the others in the group so we thought it would be a good idea to try it and get everyone involved.”

The students range in swimming experience, but have all come together to take on the 10k challenge.

Fellow teammate Keasi Gonewai, 16, has been holding some swim practices over the past week.

She says as well as raising cash for the charity the joined the National Citizen Service as a way “meet new friends and have new experiences”.

The scheme is designed for teens to learn new skills during their holidays as well as collecting for charity.

The group have taken part in a number of activities, including going camping for a week before spending a fortnight directing their energy in raising money.

As well as taking part in the swim-a-thon, the teens have organised everything, including producing flyers and setting up a fundraising page.

On top of the swimming challenge, the group has run several bake sales.

Group leader Cheyenne Vessey said: “They’ve planned this all themselves. It’s really quite impressive.”

The idea to raise funds for the Faringdon Day Centre came from 16-year-old, whose mother Annamaria works there.

When she found out funding could be reduced next year, she decided something needed to be done.

Annamaria said: "It's so nice for NCS to get the word out and let people know about us, because this way we may be able to carry on fundraising. Anything than can be contributed is worthwhile."

"The money NCS is raising will likely cover our Christmas outing, which includes tickets to the pantomime, a Christmas lunch, and maybe even presents for our members"

To sponsor the event visit www.gofundme.com/2jswmfdw