CROWDS lined the banks of the River Thames in Oxford to cheer on Little Britain star David Walliams during the second day of his epic 140-mile swim.

After a difficult first day, when Walliams was forced to abandon the swim two miles short of his target at Bablock Hythe, families turned out to lift the comic’s spirits.

Walliams started at Northmoor Lock at 7am yesterday to make up time but was running an hour and 15 minutes late by the time he reached the bridge at Botley Road at 1.50pm.

About 300 people gathered at Osney Lock to see Walliams get out of the water and walk the lock before restarting the swim without a break.

Some people came out of their houses to wave, while others made a special trip to see him swim for Sport Relief.

Charlotte and Miranda Kershaw, 12 and 11, from Jericho, followed Walliams along the towpath from Port Meadow to Folly Bridge, where he stopped for lunch.

Charlotte said: “I think it’s amazing, he’s doing really well. He’s got a lot of stamina.”

Sarah Rhodes, 44, from Helen Road, Oxford, and her children William, 13, Freddie, 11, and Ollie, seven, met the convoy of swimmers, canoes and support boats Osney and cheered Walliams on up to his lunch stop.

Ms Rhodes said: “It’s fantastic that he gives up his time to do this for a good cause. He must be exhausted, poor guy.”

Ben Davis, eight, from Littlemore, made a sign for the swimmer reading “Come on David”. He walked from his home with mum Lisa, 38, and dad Graham, 44.

He said: “It will take him ages, I think he’s mad. It’s very cold and there’s weeds.”

Mr Walliams said: “The first section of the swim has really shocked me. The water is two degrees colder than when I swam the Channel, just 15 degrees. It’s made a massive difference to how I’ve been able to cope.

“Even though I don’t like swimming in wetsuits as they’re restrictive, I just had to wear one. I’m a bit daunted by the way this has started.

“There must have been two or three thousand people along the route yesterday and despite the awful weather, they have been out again.

“I’ve had lots of cakes baked for me too – there can’t be a shop in Oxfordshire with any eggs or flour left!

“With people’s support I’m confident I can complete the 140 miles in eight days – but it’s not a forgone conclusion.”

Mr Walliams was hoping to reach Abingdon Bridge last night, and will swim to Goring Lock today starting at 8.30am.

He is hoping to finish the swim by Monday and has so far raised more than £142,000.

To sponsor him, visit sportrelief.com/walliams