SWIMMERS and fundraisers in Pendle are being urged to dig out their swimming costumes and sign up for the Swimathon 2002 before it is too late.

Pendle Wavelenghts, in Nelson, will hold two Swimathon sessions at which people will raise money for Macmillan Cancer Relief and the Swimathon Foundation.

The first is due to take place tonight, between 7 and 9pm, and the second will be held on Saturday between 6 and 9pm.

Participants can sign up for one of six challenges which include the Swimathon (individual 5000m), Half Swimathon (individual 2,500m), Relay Swimathon (5,000m), Fun Swimathon (individual 1,500m), Team Swimathon (team of up to six people swimming 5,000m) or Simply Swim, which is for those who cannot make any of the official Swimathon sessions.

Julie Wilmore, of Pendle Wavelengths, said: "Our sessions are filling up quickly so anyone who hasn't already entered and wants to take part needs to fill in an entry form without delay to avoid disappointment.

"Swimathon is a fun way to do something personally challenging while helping others at the same time."

To sign up either go on line at www.swimathon.org or contact the hotline on 0845 36 700 36.