The swimming kids helping penguins make a splash

Penguins at a zoo in Hampshire are making a splash with their new wave machine - after a fundraising campaign by local children.

More than one hundred kids between the ages of four and eleven completed a sponsored swim to help raise money.

Swimming distances of 50 metres (two lengths) and above, their efforts raised more than £15,000.

Staff at the zoo said the wave machine helps to create strong currents underwater for the penguins to swim against, improving their physical and mental wellbeing.

Some of the children who helped fundraise for Marwell Zoo's wave machine - otherwise known as a flow cannon - were at the zoo for the official switch-on.

10-year-old Ellie, who raised £510 by swimming a mile, said she enjoyed the whole experience.

She explained: "It was very fun, I did it in my free time, I'm glad I challenged myself.

"I love penguins, they're so cute and can be so much fun. Also, I love swimming, so I thought it would be the perfect challenge for me."

A colony of 13 endangered Humboldt penguins reside in the zoo's Penguin Cove.

Staff said their new machine will create strong underwater currents for the penguins to swim against.

Dan Garrick, from the zoo, added: "It will create a more dynamic, enriched experience for them when they go in the pool."

The zo said that extra funds raised will be used to further improve the penguins' wellbeing.