MEADOWLANDS Leisure Pool, Tavistock and Parklands Leisure Centre, Okehampton are encouraging people in West Devon to take part in their 2013 Swimathon sessions on the weekend of April 26-28.

The annual event is being held in 615 pools all across the UK and will be raising vital funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

The Swimathon is open to all ages and abilities, and those taking part individually can take part in the 5k, 2.5k and 1.5k: or they can swim in a group in the 5k and 1.5k events.

The event is headed up by Olympic gold medallist and president Duncan Goodhew, and he is joined by television presenter Tim Lovejoy and Marie Curie supporter Sue Barclay.

Jon Smith, contract manager at Meadowlands, said: 'Swimathon is the ideal event to train for, and participate in, with your friends and family, while setting yourself a challenge to work towards, you can also raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care while you swim.'

Marie Curie Cancer Care gives people with terminal illnesses the choice to die at home. Funds raised by taking on Swimathon 2013 will help Marie Curie nurses provide them and their families with free hands-on care and emotional support, in their own homes, right until the end.

To register by April 24 go to http://www.swimathon.org">www.swimathon.org