A CHARITY swimming event will take place in pool across East Lancashire.

Swimmers of all ages and abilities have been invited to take part in Swimathon, the world’s biggest annual fundraising swim, to raise money for Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie.

The big Swimathon weekend will take place from Friday, April 27 to Sunday, April 29.

Participants will be able to choose individual challenges of 400m, 1.5k, 2.5k or 5k or team distances of 1.5k or 5k.

Those taking part will also have the opportunity to take part in ‘MySwimathon’, where participants will be able to complete one of the individual challenges or set their own distance at any time from April 20 to May 6.

Olympic gold-medallist and Swimathon President Duncan Goodhew said: “It has been a real joy to see Swimathon develop into the great event it is today, and raise so much money for so many worthwhile charities.

"Swimathon really gives people a chance to get active with friends and family, whilst doing some good at the same time. I am so proud that Swimathon gives so many people the chance to enjoy the water.”

For more information, including which swimming pools in your area are taking part, and to sign up now, visit swimathon.org.