THEY'RE obviously made of sterner stuff up in north east Lancashire!

What else can explain Ada Gibson's efforts to raise money for the Bury Times Save Our Shakers appeal writes PHIL THORP.

The Clayton-le-Moors widow will be 86 in a few weeks time but she's set to swim over 150 lengths of her local Great Harwood baths in a sponsored swim.

Ada, who only learned to swim eight years ago is a regular fundraiser for local charities and when she saw what her local football team Accrington Stanley was doing to help the cash-strapped Shakers she felt she couldn't sit back and watch.

"I don't like to see these little clubs suffering," she told the Bury Times yesterday. "I remember what happened to Accrington and wouldn't like to see the same thing happen to Bury.

"We are all Lancashire people and should help one another out in times like this."

Ada, who originally hails from Haslingden, will swim over 50 lengths over the next three Sunday mornings.

Quite a local celebrity in her native town she is all set to appear in "It's Only TV But I Like It" on television in the coming weeks.

"They wanted me to go to London for it but I said I wouldn't," explained Ada.

"I've been once but didn't think much to it!"

Anyone willing to sponsor Ada or can raise money can pick up forms from the Bury Times front office or call the sports desk on 0161-764 9421.