PHYSICAL and learning disabilities have not stopped a Sidcup woman from undertaking a sponsored swim for charity.

Blanche Holmes, 53, of Blackfen Road, Sidcup, was cheered on by her sister Mary Thornington and brother-in-law Julian, as she completed 22 lengths of the pool at the David Lloyd leisure centre in Darenth Road, Dartford.

Although Miss Holmes has difficulty walking, she has been learning to swim for the last three years and wanted to beat her personal record of swimming 20 lengths in around an hour, to raise cash for Friends of Bexley Mencap.

Also at the poolside were people from Bexley Mencap and Friends of Bexley Mencap which was formed to help Bexley Mencap raise funds to buy their own premises in Bexleyheath as a base for their services.

Her efforts have raised nearly £1,000.