SWIMMERS in West Devon will take the plunge at the Parklands Leisure Centre in Okehampton and Meadowlands Leisure Pool in Tavistock, on March 21 to 23, as they take on the Sainsbury's Sport Relief Swimathon.

The swimathon will take place in more than 600 pools across the UK including the Aquatics Centre in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park for the very first time.

The swimathon is the UK's biggest fundraising swimming event with thousands of people jumping into pools around the country — they can choose from 1.5k, 2.5k or 5k individual distances.

For those who prefer a team challenge, relay squads are being sought to tackle the 1.5k and 5k distances. Alternatively those unable to take part in one of the 600 Swimathon pools can try SimplySwim which lets swimmers choose a distance and complete a challenge at any pool.

Any sponsor money raised will go to Sport Relief to help people living very tough lives both here in the UK and around the world.

Jon Smith of Parklands said: 'The Sainsbury's Sport Relief Swimathon is a fantastic way to bring our community together, while providing ample opportunity to get fit and healthy in the pool.

'West Devon residents can take the plunge themselves, along with family and friends to complete a swimming challenge of their choice, be it 200m or 5k, all while raising funds for those in need.'

The event is being backed by Olympic gold medallist and swimathon president, Duncan Goodhew MBE and four time Paralympic gold medallist Ellie Simmonds.

Ellie said: 'I'm really keen on making swimming accessible for everyone, and there is a challenge to suit all levels of expertise.

'I'd encourage people to take the plunge and make every length count by being sponsored to take on a challenge and do their bit for Sport Relief!'

To enter the swimathon and benefit from limited half price entry, go to the wesite at http://www.swimathon.org">www.swimathon.org