TEENAGE swimmer Anna Burnley is proving she can face up to the most gruelling of challenges.

In addition to her normal weekly training with Thirsk's White Horse swim team, she plans to swim the equivalent of the English Channel.

The 16-year-old will swim 22 miles to raise money for the spinal injury charity Aspire.

She will swim 1,408 lengths of Thirsk swimming pool in the next few weeks, with staff on hand to keep count for her.

Anna, who lives in Sowerby, said: "I have always tried to do my bit for charity.

"Having recently learned about the devastation that spinal injuries can cause, I hope that my small effort can make a real difference."

Aspire helps people with spinal cord injuries to live independently.

Companies and individuals wanting to sponsor Anna have been asked to call 0797 405 8409.