WORKERS at Ramsbottom Pool will be putting their own fitness to the test in an 'Ironman' event to raise cash for Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.

Eleven members of staff, plus local gym members, will be taking part in a gruelling 48-hour marathon inside the leisure complex at Porritt Way, Ramsbottom, this week.

Using a shift rota, they will together aim to run 52 miles (a double marathon), swim 21 miles (the distance across the English Channel) and cycle 2,119 miles (equivalent of the Tour De France).

The marathon event starts on Thursday (December 2), finishing on Saturday (December 4). All money raised through sponsorship will go to supporting the Five Stars Appeal, which raises money for the Pendlebury hospital's children's cancer unit.

Staff taking part are duty officers Phil McLean, Steve Pickering and Paul Wilcock, head gym instructor Lall Moosaye, gym instructors Lee Buggie, Natalie Fewings and Simon Wesolowski, Sharon Goddard (receptionist) and lifeguards Rick Fantauzzo and Kate Brooks.

Paul said, "Obviously we all work at the centre and think we are pretty fit - but the event really will sort out the pretenders from the champions! And it'll be a great way of showing off the facilities we have up at the centre."

Councillor Siobhan Costello, the council's Executive member for community services, said: "This is an excellent way to raise money for charity and to show off the council's investment in the pool and gym complex. I wish everyone taking part good luck."

Ramsbottom Pool was re-opened in July last year following a £350,000 council re-fit, including the installation of a £150,000 new, state-of-the-art gym.

Anyone wishing to support the team can send cheques, made payable to the Five Stars Appeal, to Ramsbottom Pool and Fitness Centre, Porritt Way, Ramsbottom.