WHEN Alison Blair was asked by her 11-year-old daughter to sponsor a fund-raising swim she thought nothing of offering her £1 for every length of the pool she completed.

After all, she reasoned, it wouldn't amount to more than a few pounds out of pocket.

But she had not counted on Holly's steely determination to succeed, and watched with a sinking feeling as she completed length after length after length.

By the end of the allotted hour, her sprightly daughter had swum more than 123 lengths of the 25m pool.

Alison of Gosforth, Newcastle, said last night: "I just could not believe my eyes. My first inclination was to reach for the Tippex and change the sponsor form.

"But I thought that wouldn't be fair and it is such a worthy cause after all - and most of all, Holly deserved it."

Holly was one of seven young swimmers from the B squad at the Newcastle's City baths who completed 536 lengths in aid of St Oswald's Hospice.

Holly got sponsorship from friends and neighbours as well - but the Blairs have yet to work out how much Holly is owed. And they are preparing themselves for the reaction.

Last night, Holly remained nonchalant about her achievement. She said: "I am aiming to become an Olympic swimmer and train four nights a week."

Alison, herself a former Commonwealth Games swimming contestant, said: "Swimming must be in the genes. She is determined to become an Olympic swimmer. It is something she has always wanted to do and we have always encouraged her, but never pushed her."

Holly is already preparing for her next sponsored swim, where the aim is to see how long it takes to swim a mile. Doubtless, Alison will be a little more cautious when she completes the sponsorship form this time round.