CHARITY champion Jimmy Eaton is planning to raise £30,000 to pay for a new community hospice bus by completing a breath-busting triathlon.

And he has enlisted the help of Darwen and Rossendale's MP Janet Anderson who plans to swim part of the event.

Councillor Eaton has already secured £9,000 in sponsorship after announcing plans to cycle 88 miles from Bacup to Blackpool and back, swim a mile at Marl Pits and then complete a run from Rawtenstall to Bacup.

The event will culminate with live music from Bacup Scout Band in the town centre to hopefully celebrate the triumphant former mayor's efforts.

The adventurous 54-year-old has become famous for his fund-raising after he started 30 years ago and to date has gathered a total of £270,000 for local charities.

Jimmy has been in full training for the event thanks to Pioneer Studios in Bacup who offered him free membership in the run-up to the triathlon.

He has been using the facilities nearly every day to get into tip-top shape.

And in his bid to raise £30,000 for Rossendale Hospice to purchase a new community bus, Jimmy has enlisted the help of local schools and businesses which will also be participating in the mammoth fund-raiser.

Coun Eaton, a postman whose wife Janet has helped him to organise the event, said: "I need the people of Rossendale to support this event in a bid to make it a success.

"It's for a really deserving cause and we have already secured support from Janet Anderson which is brilliant.

"I heard on the grapevine that the hospice needed a new bus but couldn't raise the funds which is why I came up with this idea."

He added: "I've done a few marathons and triathlon over the years but this will be tough going."

Jimmy, who also keeps fit by walking with his pet dog Ben, is hoping locals will join him in his attempt to complete the gruelling event.

He said: "It's going to be hard work but it will be worth it when the challenge is completed and I can hold my head up and say I have done something a bit different."