Get ready for Portishead Swimathon - still time to enter!

WATERBABIES are being urged to don their cosies and enter this year's Portishead Swimathon.

The event, now in its 17th year, is organised by the Rotary Club of Portishead to raise thousands of pounds for good causes locally.

The swimathon will take place at Parish Wharf Leisure Centre on March 23, starting at 1.30pm and will be officially opened by BBC Points West weather girl and Portishead carnival joint organiser, Jemma Cooper.

So far more than 40 teams, from schools, businesses and charitable groups, have entered to take part in the dash across the pool.

Last year the event attracted 500 swimmers aged from three to 80 who raised £10,000 that was split among local charities and good causes.

Teams are still being invited to take part in the event..

Teams of six people are required, but individuals can enter, forming a team with other individuals and people need to be able to swim in a relay for a least 35 minutes.

Rotary Club spokesman, Miles Williams, said: "It's a great fun event which is full of laughter and at the same time raises funds to support some very important charities.

"We are still looking for more teams and anyone interested should get in touch with the club."

This year, money raised from the swimathon will go to support  the newly formed Young Carers Group in Portishead plus other charities.

Entry forms and more information is available from Mollie Young on 01275 372725 or mollieyoung@talktalk.net or by visiting www.portisheadrotaryclub.org.uk.