FUND-RAISERS are set to don swimming costumes and trunks in a bid to raise money for charity.

The Congleton Swimathon sees sponsored teams of six take to the water at Congleton Leisure Centre and try to swim as many lengths as possible in an hour.

Organised by Congleton Rotary Club, the annual event has raised more than £200,000 over a period of 17 years.

Robin Platt, aged 62, Swimathon committee chairman, said: "It's a fun event which has a community spirit and you get a free swim.

"We use 72 lanes and we've usually filled all the places before the event."

Swimathons will take place on Friday, February 26, from 4pm to 9pm, and on Saturday, February 27, from 2pm to 9pm.

To book a place, call 01260 273358.

Last year, the event raised £17,000 for Manchester Hospital's stroke unit, the Salvation Army and Congleton Shopmobility.