SWIMMERS of all ages will be churning the water of the Link Centre pool in the annual Swimathon event next month - and you can join in too.

The charity event challenges swimmers to undertake 5,000m (200 lengths), 2,500m (100 lengths) or 1,500m (60 lengths) to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

But don't worry if the thought of 200 lengths fills you with dread. Teams of up to five people can split the distance between them, giving everyone the chance of a rest.

Swimathon 2008 takes places the Link Centre pool in West Swindon on April 19 and 20. Registration begins at 6pm, with swimming from 6.30pm.

Olympic gold medallist Duncan Goodhew launched the event back in January, when he took to the waters with British 100m champion Chris Jones.

Duncan is the president of The Swimathon Foundation. At the time, he said: "I would say to the people of Swindon that not only is swimming one of the best ways to exercise, but it's also fun.

"If you get involved you get the chance to contribute to a very worthy cause while having a good time."

Swimathon takes place at more than 500 pools across the UK.

Now in its 22nd year, the 2008 event is expected to attract 19,000 people and raise £1.8 million for The Swimathon Foundation and Marie Curie Cancer Care.

A maximum of 36 people can take part in Swindon, so get your applications in now. Go to www.swimathon.org or pick up a form