PENSIONER Tom Sweeting is always ready to take the plunge but this year he's really making waves. The 70-year-old, from Accrington, has completed a swim of more than three miles for the nationwide BT Swimathon.

But the super-fit senior citizen, who was a competitive boxer and runner in his youth, took it all in his stride and completed the challenge in just over an hour and a half, raising £80.

Ex-policeman Tom, of Thorneyholme Road, swims four or five times a day, covering up to 3,000 metres each week.

And, at 6ft 2ins and 17-stone, cuts a fearsome figure in his local pool.

He said: "I've always loved swimming and it's a great way to keep fit. It's like a drug to me and always makes me feel better.

"I often take part in Masters Swims all over the UK, which are competitive events for people aged 25 or over. I have had some successes, including winning the Leeds Marathon."

The BT Swimathon, held in March at pools around the country, attracted 40,000 participants who raised more than £1 million. Sixty-five per cent of the proceeds will go to the Prince's Trust to help young unemployed people. Rising Bridge's Vikkie Moore, 16, was the fastest female fund-raiser, completing the 5,000 metres in just under an hour.

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