Keen swimmer Louise Carroll dedicated part of her half term holiday to swim 200 lengths in memory of her friend and school staff member Frank Stivarious.

The 13-year-old is raising money for Pilgrims Hospices who cared for Mr Stivarious when he battled cancer last October.

She is hoping to raise at least £200.

Dane Court grammar school pupil Louise said: "I used to speak to Frank every morning when mum dropped me at school.

"He was always such a happy and friendly face and we were all very fond of him at our school."

Louise's mum and dad, Claire and Neil, say they are really proud of Louise's fundraising.

Claire said: "She wanted to do something positive and raise awareness of the wonderful work that Pilgrims Hospices do.

"Her friends and teachers at school have been really supportive."

Frank's wife Sarah, who is assistant headteacher at Dane Court, went along to support Louise on her 5000-metre swim along with Louise's mum Claire and grandparents Pat and Ron Dinnes.

Mrs Stivarious said: "I'm so impressed with her commitment, I'm sure Frank would have approved of her efforts, she is a very caring and kind young lady."

Louise loves swimming and began at an early age, and now attend Broadstairs lifeguard and swimming club.

She also goes to Dover Channel training from May until September.

Along with her 200 lengths of the pool, she will be swimming for around two hours daily from Sunday, May 27 until Friday, June 1 around the bays of Jersey with a group of swimmers headed by Sally Minty Gravett MBE.

Your Leisure manager Gavid Vickers, who gave Louise a free lane to complete her charity swim in, said: "We are delighted to have helped with Louise's fundraising swim.

"We are always keen to support young people who want to help make a difference within our local community.

"We congratulate her on her efforts."

If you wish to support Louise, donations can be made directly to Pilgrims Hospice here

Karen Kenward, community fundraising manager for Pilgrims Hospice Thanet, said: "We are delighted to have the support of such a dedicated young fundraiser.

"Louise is doing a wonderful job of raising vital funds and awareness of our services.

"Her 5000-metre swim is actually more than three miles. That's quite incredible.

"We wish her lots of luck with the sea swimming in Jersey later this year."