A Macclesfield school has made yet more swimming history.

Five pupils from Beech Hall School were joined by headmaster James Allen as they completed the iconic 20 Bridges Swim Around Manhattan in New York.

Finya Elise Lang, 18, Rory Joseph Kaye, 17, Danny Hill, 16, Ed Heyworth and Harry Cowgill, both 15, all took on the gruelling 28.5-mile open-water swimming challenge in temperatures reported to be just 17C.

Mr Allen said: "This is an extraordinary achievement, and one of which our whole school community can be immensely proud.

"To see five of our pupils, take on such a demanding challenge, swimming the entire 20 Bridges route individually in such challenging conditions, is truly inspiring.

"Their determination, resilience and commitment embody everything we hope to instil at Beech Hall School - the confidence to aim high, the courage to step outside their comfort zones and the belief that, with hard work and the right support, the seemingly impossible can be achieved. I am incredibly proud to have shared this experience with them.

"I would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the swimmers' dedicated coaches, Nikki Pope and Cate Bauer, whose expertise, encouragement and commitment played a vital role in preparing the team for this demanding undertaking."

The 28.5-mile course passes under 20 bridges around Manhattan (Credit: Supplied)

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The achievement builds on Beech Hall School's previous stateside experience of the challenge.

In 2024, the school completed the 20 Bridges Swim Around Manhattan as a relay.

This year's individual swims represented a significant step up, with each swimmer taking on the entire course independently.