More than 100 brave swimmers swam the Solent for charity last week.

The Ian Pratt MND Foundation saw 54 people complete the crossing, and 58 swam for West Wight Sports and Community Centre (WWSCC).

On July 25, 26 and 27, the Ian Pratt MND Foundation swimmers swam the stretch between Players Beach in Ryde and Stokes Bay, south of Gosport.

Event organiser, Tony Bray, said: "I became friends with Ian in 2013, when I first completed the swim as a personal challenge.

"I decided to make it an annual event ­— to make a legacy for Ian and his family."

In 2014, the event saw 22 swimmers participate, and the numbers have steadily increased since.

Saturday morning saw the event reach a remarkable milestone when a swimmer completed the 250th crossing.

Early estimates of money raised is around £35,000, meaning that since 2013, more than £200,000 has been raised for MND, split between research into curing the disease, and families living with MND.

Ian and his family greeted the swimmers, and a team of 27 kayakers accompanied them, alongside safety boats from Rebel Marine, Paul Wade and Adam Morse.

"One day, maybe not in our lifetime, but one day there will be a cure for MND ­— I'm confident of that," said Tony.

"And we will all have been a part of that journey, and for that, everyone should be very proud ­— it's a massive achievement."

The WWSCC swimmers crossed the Solent on Saturday morning, leaving Hurst Castle at high water, at 6.15am.

The swimmers had travelled from Yarmouth in the Needles Pleasure Boat, Yarmouth Rose, while the 35 kayakers had left Colwell Bay at dawn.

The first swimmer, Charles Bagot, reached Colwell at about 6.45am, with the others following soon after.

They included Island MP Bob Seely, taking part for the second year running.

The swimmers were welcomed by a cheering crowd of friends and family members.

Clare Griffin, of WWSCC, said: “It was an excellent event, thanks to our amazing swimmers, kayakers, safety boat crews and shore-based volunteers.

“So far, the swim has raised more than £13,000 and we expect the total to increase significantly.”

The Solent Swim is the biggest fundraiser for the WWSCC, an independent charity.