DOZENS of people will be taking the plunge at Darlington's Dolphin Centre next weekend when the leisure centre hosts the local leg of Swimathon, the largest sponsored swimming event in Europe.
The challenge takes place on March 22 and 23, with about 200 people swimming anything from a few lengths to 10,000 metres.
Money raised will go to Macmillan Cancer Relief and the Swimathon Foundation, which offers funding grants for charities with swimming interests.
Money raised this year in the Darlington event for Macmillan Cancer Relief will be spent in the County Durham area.
Among the entrants will be six-year-old Jamie Hall, Emily Elliott, Susan Elliott-Lyall, Lucy Elliott-Lyall and Wally Elliott - five generations of a Darlington family.
The event will also be a landmark for Mary Slater, 78, who is taking part in her tenth swimathon.
Last year's event at the centre raised £6,000 and it is hoped that even more people will take part this year.
Individual swimmers take to the pool on Saturday, with the team event being held on Sunday.
Anyone wishing to take part can get a sponsorship form and more information from the Dolphin Centre on (01325) 388406.
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