A SCHOOL where pupils are training for a cross-Channel swim has called off a training event in a local reservoir amid safety fears.

But organisers of the Dover-to-France challenge at Westholme School in Blackburn said they would go ahead with other sessions which will take place at official British Long Distance Swimming Association races.

Westholme, which accepts pupils from throughout Lancashire, is planning the Channel relay swim to raise money for a new pool.

It earmarked Rivington Reservoir, near Chorley, for its pupils to take their first outdoor training plunge.

But parent Janet Ingham, who is organising the swims, said today that a school-only event they had planned for May would not go ahead after reservoir owners United Utilities expressed reservations.

Meanwhile, parents today gave the fund-raising idea a mixed response.

A number of people have drowned in Lancashire reservoirs in recent years and a spokesperson for United Utilities said: "It is generally our policy not to allow people permission to swim in our reservoirs for genuine safety reasons.

"They would have to submit a formal application detailing what safety procedures they would put in place.

"The water in all the reservoirs gets deep very quickly and is also extremely cold, leading to cramp.

"There is an added danger from the tow created by the pumping mechanisms which lie beneath the water.

"It is generally inappropriate when we spend a lot of time trying to prevent tragedies occurring for us to allow individuals, however worthwhile the cause, to swim in the reservoirs.

"It would only send out the wrong message."

However, she added that a number of organisations were allowed to use Rivington for "highly-organised" events. One of these is the British Long Distance Swimming Association who will run their annual event on June 22, which Westholme has entered.

Plans by Westholme for swimmers to take part in a BLDSA event at Windermere will also go-ahead.

A BLDSA spokesman said that at Rivington there would be novice and senior categories.

He said a canoe would accompany every swimmer and on Windermere there was a power boat in attendance.

A father of one 14-year-old Westholme pupil said: "I wouldn't let my child swim. I swam in a reservoir once and it was difficult. I was very cold in the middle and you got cramp very quickly.

"It's a big challenge to children and I think many wouldn't be able to cope."

A mum who refused to give her daughter's age, said: "My daughter isn't swimming in a reservoir, Lake Windermere or the Channel.

"It's dangerous and a stupid idea -- there must be simpler ways to raise the money. If a child is hurt I wonder who will answer then?"

A mum of a 12 year-old pupil said: "I would let my daughter if supervised. As long as the teachers were there she could give it a go."

A father of an 11 year-old pupil said: "It could be a good way to get rid of your child! But seriously, I would let my daughter give it a go.

"If you are going to swim across the channel you have to get used to the cold and the strength you would need.

"It would have to be properly supervised and they would have to select strong swimmers."

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.

"It is cold and deep and visibility is poor. If something goes wrong, it can go wrong quickly," he added.

"There may be better venues they could consider."

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: "We wish the school every success with their challenge, but it is important for people to remember that any in any pursuit involving open water safety must be paramount."