TWO determined boys overcame their physical disabilities to repay the people who have helped them and said: "We are not quitters!"

Determined Alex Hook, 11, and Oliver Hunt, 10, from Blackburn, who both suffer from cerebral palsy, each swam a mile last weekend to raise money for two charities.

The boys spent nearly two hours in the water using only their arms -- but were left grinning with pride when they reached their 72 length target at Darwen leisure centre.

They can now donate around £1,500 to Cancer Research, disabled charity Scope and Blackburn's GLAD charity - Group Learning Activities for the Disabled.

Alex's proud mum Heather, of Hereford Road, Intack, said: "They are both a wonderful inspiration and it was an amazing feat.

"We were told Alex would never be able to swim because his left side was too weak. But he wanted the challenge and to help the charities that have been helping them."

Swimming teacher Kath Medd was praised for sacrificing her time for the event and helping inspire the boys.

Heather added: "She really believes in them. They did training just as and when they could. It was very emotional when they neared the finished but it was hard watching them as there were times when they were struggling.

"It was great that they both pulled it off. When we asked them if they wanted to stop they just said 'we are not quitters'."

The feat left both boys exhausted for several days. Oliver's proud parents Jackie and Michael of Mill Hill were also delighted with the charity success. Jackie added: "We are so proud of everything he achieves as he just overcomes his disability."

The boys wanted to donate to Scope as the dedicated charity for people suffering from cerebral palsy, who also helped Alex buy a sports wheelchair, and GLAD for supporting the two youngsters in their day to day lives.