A 94-YEAR-OLD man has raised hundreds of pounds for families in need of support.

Bill Mintram, from Baldock, swam 10 lengths of the 25-metre pool per day for five days at North Herts Leisure Centre earlier this month.

Mr Mintram, who is an ex-solider, helped raise money for the Home Start North Herts, a charity which supports families where at least one child is under five.

The challenge was a feat for Bill who has suffered from lower back problems since his war service in tanks at D-Day.

The pensioner has also had an aortic stent and a triple heart bypass and is hard of hearing.

Mr Mintram said: “The swim went very well but by Friday it was hard going. I’d had enough, it’s quite a few lengths to swim.”

The Brewery Lane resident, who is a regular swimmer, said he would do the challenge all over again if the right charity came along.

He said: “I suffer from a few aches and pains and have had umpteen operations but overall I am pretty fit and healthy.”

He successfully completed the task, with the support of leisure centre staff along with his daughter and son-in-law.

Mr Mintram has survived two younger brothers, a daughter and wife.

Home Start North Herts has received nearly �900 so far in sponsorship, with more expected.