THREE generations of the same family joined hundreds of other athletes to take part in the Skipton Triathlon.

Grandmother, Joan Loach, 80, her daughter, Rebecca Swift, 56, and granddaughter, Hannah Mason formed a relay team to swim, cycle and run to raise money for global children's charity, Plan International UK.

The trio, from Skipton, tackled the event in memory of grandfather, Stan, who died last year, and who was a life-long supporter of the charity.

Joan carried out the 400metre swim, Rebecca completed the 22km cycle, while Hannah , who has a lung condition, finished off the triathlon with a 5km sprint. Together, they have already beaten their £900 fundraising target.

Rebecca said it was the first time they had carried out such an event together. " It certainly wasn’t easy but it was worth it in the end - it’s a really fantastic cause which was so close to my dad’s heart," she said.

“Mum is a real inspiration – she plays badminton, table tennis, goes walking with her friends – but it’s still a long way for an 80-year old to swim. My daughter Hannah has been training hard too, which isn’t easy with a lung condition. She hasn’t ever run as far as 5k before but she was adamant she could do it."

She added: “Knowing that the money we’re raising will make a real difference to children’s lives, as well as the opportunity to get fit and have fun together to remember my dad, was a great incentive”.

Plan International UK is a global children’s rights charity which is working to advance children’s rights and equality for girls all over the world.

Kevin Machin, the charity's senior community and events officer, said: “A multi-generational triathlon is definitely a first for Plan International. Not only are these three women raising a huge amount of money for the charity, they have also undertaken a huge physical challenge – what an inspiration”.

To support Joan, Rebecca and Hannah in their fundraising, visit their Just Giving pages.