I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the children, their parents, grandparents and our swimmers of all ages for their generosity throughout this year.

I run a swim school, which operates in Brighton, Eastbourne and Seaford.

This year, we held another sponsored swim and our swimmers raised £5,500, which was divided between the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Brighton Lions Leo House Hospice Appeal.

This brings our total amount raised for local children's charities to more than £12,500 during the past few years.

Also, this year we have sold Christmas cards to a total of £450 in aid of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Parents, friends and relatives once again reached into their pockets.

Finally, we decided to join the GMTV Shoe Box Appeal and, once again, were absolutely amazed at the generosity shown by my swimmers and their families.

We sent off no less than 48 shoe boxes and even had enough gifts left to give to the Women's Refuge Project in Brighton.

This is an outstanding contribution and I cannot thank these people enough for all their hard work and support during what has turned out to be our busiest year yet.

On behalf of all my staff, I would like to wish all our swimmers and their families and friends a very happy New Year and look forward to seeing them once again.

-Anne Bickmore Swimming, Phyllis Avenue, Peacehaven