SUPPORTERS of Bovington Nursery School took the plunge to raise much-needed funds.

Twenty-six swimmers ploughed up and down the Stanley Barracks pool and each length raised money for the refurbishment of the nursery.

"It was brilliant," said principal Emily Taylor.

"I was very pleased with the number of parents and staff. It couldn't have gone any better."

Each of the four rooms at the nursery, which has 54 youngsters on its books aged two to five, had a team of swimmers competing against the rest, watched by the children.

Winning team the Kittens romped home with 142 lengths in the hour, helped by Emily and 10-year-old Rachel Taylor.

And they won a bottle of champagne and £20 donated by the Clouds Hill pub.

The nursery is housed in an old army building which is badly in need of refurbishment, said Emily, and money raised will go towards improvements.

"I will be pleased with whatever is raised," she said.

First published: November 4, 2005