A schoolgirl met her swimming idol Duncan Goodhew when she took part in a pool charity challenge.

Olivia Lawes, of Main Road, Hoo, joined Sport Relief’s Swimathon, the UK’s biggest fundraising swimming event.

Thousands of people jumped into hundreds of pools around the country, including Olympic venue the London Aquatics Centre, where Olivia took part.

The 11-year-old High Halstow Primary School pupil swam 1.5km and raised almost £700.

Olivia, a keen swimmer who trains at Hundred of Hoo Leisure Centre, said: “I enjoy swimming and had been thinking about raising money for charity for some time, and this gave me the perfect opportunity to combine both things.”

Olivia was cheered on by her family, including sister Harriet. She met Olympic gold medallist Duncan, world champion Karen Pickering and Blue Peter presenter Radzi Chinyanganya.

Don't miss our Sport Relief picture special in tomorrow's Medway Messenger.