A TEACHER unleashed an onslaught of sporting power to complete 1,360 lengths in his school pool.

The punishing challenge saw sports and drama teacher Gary Lewin swim the equivalent length of the English Channel at Oxford High School.

His 21-mile feat took him from 6am in the morning until 11pm at night to complete, generating more than £2,300 in sponsorship money from supporters.

The 31-year-old raised the cash for Cancer Research, in memory of his father-in-law who died in February.

He said: "In that situation I felt useless and wanted to do something positive.

"The support at school has been overwhelming. We didn't publicise it but the girls were absolutely brilliant, cheering me on from either end."

The teacher, who lives in Botley, said he was inspired by the latest adventure of Ross Edgle.

The strongman and fitness guru is currently swimming 2,000 miles around mainland Great Britain.

Mr Lewin said: "I wanted to do something in the same vein that would be quite interesting - something a bit out of the ordinary.

"I'm not a very good swimmer - I only really swim on holidays, and I had never done more than 20 lengths."

He trained five days a week for 14 weeks in the run-up to the challenge, with help from Oxford High and the Athlete Centre in Oxford, off Botley Road.

The training involved conditioning and weightlifting workouts to build strength and swimming stints to get used to being in a pool.

His swim took place at the Summertown school earlier this month, and donations are still trickling in to boost the fundraising total.

Mr Lewin allowed himself five-10 minute breaks when he hit certain milestones, and was cheered on by staff and pupils throughout the day, including the school's swimming squad.

The pool spans for 25 metres, meaning he swam a total of 34,000 metres or 21 miles - the distance from Dover to Calais.

He said the wrinkles in his skin as he hauled himself out of the water were 'ridiculous', likening his appearance to a 'cold, un-defrosted turkey'.

His efforts will help Cancer Research to support patients and other families affected by cancer.

Matthew Phipps, an English teacher and marketing manager at the girls' independent school, described his colleague's achievement as 'amazing and inspiring'.

One person who donated on Mr Lewin's online fundraising page wrote: "You are really role-modelling challenge and resilience, and for a great cause."

Another supporter added: "What a wonderful act of love and thoughtfulness."

To donate to Mr Lewin's cause, search gofundme.com for 'Dover to Calais in a Pool'.