A WHEELCHAIR-bound Bradford swimmer is taking on his biggest challenge to date by tackling the Great North Swim in the Lake District next month.

Mark Longstaff, 54, will join 10,000 others taking the plunge in Lake Windermere on June 13, in his bid to complete the gruelling one-mile open water swim.

Having suffered from Cerebral Palsy since birth, he has only one working limb, and as he is also partially sighted, he has chosen to raise funds for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Mr Longstaff, who has undergone more than 20 operations on his legs, was confined to a wheelchair at the age of 38, unable to take part in any weight-bearing exercise due to problems with his spine.

As his mobility issues have worsened, Mr Longstaff, of Sticker Lane, Laisterdyke, said swimming offers him a freedom he does not get from other activities.

"I used to walk everywhere but as my condition changed over time I now use an electric wheelchair," he said.

"I suffer from Spondylosis of the spine and swimming helps open that up.

"In December last year I swam 22 miles in Bowling Pool, which is the equivalent of the English Channel, for Aspire Spinal charity.

"The Great North Swim is shorter, but it’s a totally different challenge.

"For one thing the water will be a lot colder and I will need to wear a wetsuit.

"I’m not sure how I’m going to get on but I’m going try my best to finish it.

"Any distance will be an achievement for me, so I’m just going to take my time and go as far as I can."

Mr Longstaff will be assisted by his guide and friend Helena Romanowska, a seasoned open water swimmer with a number of triathlons under her belt.

The pair met at the Aqua Running Club at Bowling Pool, and completed a 500m open water swim together at Pugneys Country Park in Wakefield in 2013.

Having recently recovered from a bout of illness, Mr Longstaff has been stepping up his training at Ilkley Lido, and is hoping to complete the challenge in under two hours.

He has been hailed as a "truly inspirational" athlete by Bradford Council, and was presented with a B-Active award last year for his dedication in keeping fit despite his disabilities.

The Great North Swim event takes place from June 12 to 14, with further details available at greatswim.org/north.