SWIMMING legend Duncan Goodhew has launched the world's biggest swimming charity event - and invited Keighley people to take part.

The 'Swimathon,' which is in its 17th year and is being sponsored by Butlins, encourages everyone from marathon swimmers, to those who rarely visit a pool, to join them in raising money for Macmillan Cancer Relief.

Last year the event raised £2.2 million for the cancer charity and the Swimathon Foundation. Over 32,000 people took part at 525 pools across the country.

This year they aim to make it even bigger with cash flooding in over the week of 17 - 23 March. Otley pool is the closest taking part in the official Swimathon, but anyone can take part by holding individual sponsored swims at their local pools.

Official competitions include the full 'Swimathon' of 5,000m, which is 200 lengths of a 25m pool. The half Swimathon of 100 lengths and the Endurance event which covers 400 lengths of a pool. There are also relay events and the 'Simply Swim' which enables people to take part in their local swimming pools even if official events are not organised.

Full details are available on the Swimathon web site at www.swimathon.org .

n Duncan Goodhew is pcitured launching the event with TV presenter Gabrielle Richens.