Polio victim swims birthday miles

Keen swimmer Gerry Griffin survived polio at the age of two

A polio survivor has celebrated his 60th birthday by swimming 22.5 miles (36.2km).

Gerry Griffin, from Wareham in Dorset, managed 1,450 lengths of Purbeck Sports Centre's swimming pool using just his arms to propel himself.

Mr Griffin contracted and survived the viral infection poliomyelitis (polio) in the 1950s.

"I am immensely grateful to all my friends who supported and encouraged me," he said.

Mr Griffin contracted polio aged two, leaving him completely paralysed.

Over the years he regained almost normal use of his upper body but very limited use of his legs.

He has become a keen swimmer, taking part in the Bournemouth Pier-to-Pier (1.4 miles), Weymouth Bay and Swanage Bay sea swimming challenges.

He raised more than £1,200 for various charities with his birthday swim.

Terry Peterson, Purbeck Sports Centre manager, said: "Gerry is a very familiar face at the pool and we are delighted that the centre has enabled him to achieve his goal."