WATER babies are being encouraged to take the plunge at their local swimming pool.

Youngsters in Hambleton are being urged to splash across a width of the pool to help raise money for Tommy's charity, which funds research into premature birth, stillbirth and miscarriage.

Each swimmer will receive a certificate and those who raise over £35 will win inflatable prizes.

Last year, 3,500 youngsters from across the UK raised £110,000, £1,300 of which came from Hambleton.

"Over recent years, the Splashathon has proved to be a fantastic initiative to help save tiny lives," said Tommy's chief executive Jane Brewin.

The event takes place at Stokesley Leisure Centre today; Bedale Leisure Centre and Hambleton Leisure Centre on June 24 and 26, and at Thirsk Swimming Pool all this month.