WEST Devon residents are being urged to take the plunge this winter and take part in Europe's largest charity swimming event.

The Swimathon is being held between March 18 and 24, so there is plenty of time to get into practice for the big event which raises vital funds for Macmillan Cancer Relief.

Okehampton Swimming Pool and Meadowlands and Kelly College pool at Tavistock will be laying on special Swimathon sessions in which individuals or teams can take part.

There are a variety of challenges, timed for the serious swimmer or untimed for fun swimmers.

And this year, 15 per cent of the total monies raised will go to the newly established Swimathon Foundation, which will provide grants of up to £5,000 to local charities in the Okehampton and Tavistock areas.

Last year, more than £2 million was raised by swimmers in the UK, who swam an incredible 35,000 miles.

To sign up for Swimathon 2002, pick up an entry form from the pools in Tavistock and Okehampton, call the hotline on 0845 36 700 36, or register at http://www.swimathon.org">www.swimathon.org