by Nathan Rao

Fundraisers took part in a water challenge with a difference to raise money.
Nineteen people took part in the Kent Messenger challenge at The Swallows Leisure Centre on Saturday to raise money for Demelza House Children’s Hospice in Bobbing and the Kent Walking Bus.
Organisers hope to have raised £1,300, £1,000 of which will be donated to Demelza House. The remaining £300 will go to the KM Walking Bus.
Participants climbed inside a giant hamster ball and, with three of them lined up next to each other, raced each other to complete a length of the 25m pool.
Before taking part each participant pledged to raise at least £75.
The fastest man taking part in the challenge was Swallows lifeguard James Linnane who completed the 25m course in 33.43 seconds.
Jen Francis from Sittingbourne’s Kent Science Park finished in 38.59.
Both earn a place in the county final to take place at the end of this year where the fastest man and woman at the event will share £500.
Although the turnout was slightly disappointing, according to Kent Messenger charity and community project manager Simon Dolby, the event was an overall success.
He said: “It is a tough challenge, and that combined with the recession meant that some people may have been put off.
“However, everyone who did the challenge absolutely loved it and we are hoping to have raised a good amount for the two causes.”