SUPPORTERS of a Channel swim to raise funds for a new school swimming pool have already pledged the £2,000 needed before pupils can dip their toes in the water.

The success was announced as the organiser of the event in aid of Westholme School, Blackburn, pledged a safety first approach to the attempt to swim to France.

Westholme, which takes pupils from throughout East Lancashire, knew it had to find around £2,000 to pay for a pilot to accompany pupils on the mammoth relay swim and fees for the Channel Swimming Association when it announced its plans.

But sponsorship has come from parents and Sterling Moulded, which makes swimming costumes for Speedo.

Organisers of the Channel Swimming Association, who organise all Channel swims, have warned that swimmers must be aged over 12.

The association's fees will pay for officials to take over the liaison with coastguards and find a pilot who can make the trip with the girls.

Organisers say they had thoroughly researched the swim and were aware of the fees and regulations.

The school wants to stage the Dover-to-France swim with three relay teams of six to raise money for a new state of the art swimming complex with a 25 metre pool.

Organiser Janet Ingham said: "We are thinking 'safety first' and we would not dream of asking anyone who did not want to do this, to get involved." CSA secretary Duncan Taylor said: "We need to stress that this has got to be done safely, and it is not a matter of just turning up and setting off for a swim.

"Having said that, it is very achievable and it is a fun game. A lot of adults do not manage it, but if it is done by an experienced swimmer in the right conditions, it is very achievable."

Swims are only allowed in the summer months of either July, August or September, although September is considered too unpredictable weather wise, and the other months become very booked up very quickly.

Juniors must be at least 12 and relay teams are only allowed to swim short distances before changing.

The school also plans to get youngsters training by swimming the gruelling 11 miles of Lake Windermere with safety boats and the school doctor on hand.

Those who are still feeling buoyant enough will then take on the Channel itself.

Peter Cornall, head of water and leisure safety with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, said that while he was sure the school would get things right he was worried about the message it would give other people - that it was OK to swim in the reservoir.

Mrs Ingham is looking for more rowing boats and experienced oarsmen to accompany the swimmers on Windermere. She can be contacted on 01254 878187.