WEST Devon residents are once again being encouraged to take the plunge and dive into their local pool in a bid to raise money for charity.

From September to December 2013, Parklands Leisure Centre in Okehampton and Meadlowlands Leisure Pool in Tavistock are teaming up with the Aspire Channel Swim to raise money for people who are paralysed by spinal cord injuries.

Together they are challenging the community to swim 22 miles, the distance of the English Channel, over a twelve week period. 

Swimmers can get discounted swim prices to help them to complete this challenge and to qualify for this, the swimmer must register for the Aspire Channel Swim via the official Aspire Swim website.

Swimmers who raise over £50 for the charity will automatically be entered into a draw with the chance to win a fantastic Swimtrek swimming adventure trip.

SwimTrek is the world's leading swimming holiday operator, running swimming tours in some of the best open water swimming locations around the world.

Jon Smith, contract manager of Parklands and Meadowlands said: 'We are pleased to be supporting the Aspire Channel Swim challenge and are looking forward to welcoming lots of local swimmers into raise money for such a great charity.

'But this is not just an opportunity to raise money for charity it's a great way to keep in shape and benefit from regular swimming.'

To find out about the Aspire Channel Swim, visit http://www.aspirechannelswim.co.uk">www.aspirechannelswim.co.uk