RESIDENTS are being urged to take the plunge and join a swimathon challenge.

Nationwide, 19,000 people will make a splash to help raise £1.8m in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care and the Swimathon Foundation.

With only four weeks left to register, Richmondshire Leisure Trust is encouraging local people to take part in a swimathon on Saturday, April 19, in Richmond swimming pool.

The challenge is open to everyone, and encourages people to set goals by accomplishing a distance of their choice.

There will be a distance of 1.5km for those who swim occasionally, 2.5km for intermediate swimmers, and a 5km challenge, which requires at least six weeks of training.

The 5km challenge can also be completed as part of a team of up to five people, and those more suited to watching than participating can also do their bit by sponsoring local people who are taking part.

David Pullinger, the facilities operations manager at Richmond Pool and a former participant in the swimathon, said: "Challenging yourself to participate in the swimathon is a great way to improve fitness, tone up or get in shape in time for summer.

"The added benefit of the swimathon is that it helps to raise money for a worthwhile cause."

To sign up for the challenge, or sponsor someone who is taking part, visit the pool or go to swimathon.org.uk