SWIMMERS with a taste for competition are being invited to take the plunge at the 2017 Northwich Rotary Swimathon.

The event provides a major boost for good causes, with the club having raised more than £122,000 since it launched the swimathon 16 years ago.

Last year’s event raised more than £12,000, and the 2017 swimathon is on Saturday and Sunday, March 11 and 12 at Northwich Memorial Court, with businesses being targeted by the organisers.

“Our 2016 event raised a great deal for local charities, but in addition our experience is that those who take part really enjoy it, and we have many teams who come back each year,” said Garnet Ronander, chairman of the swimathon committee.

“As last year, teams can nominate their own charities, with half of the money raised by their team going directly to their charity.

“New this year is the introduction of a competitive element for those teams wishing to take the challenge.

“We are seeking corporate team from businesses, including those on Gadbrook Park, and challenges might include the number of lengths or money raised.

“However, we expect most participants will enter just for fun and in the knowledge that all the money raised goes to good causes.”

The club is sending out application packs to the more than 50 teams which have already contacted the club, but more are being sought to take part.

For more details and an application form email swimathon.rcnorthwich@gmail.com This year’s event, which is again sponsored by local travel firm Headwater Holidays, is in aid of Cardiac Risk in the Young and Multiple Sclerosis Society Vale Royal.

David Martin, Headwater Holidays marketing manager, said: “We are delighted to again be teaming up with the Rotary Club of Northwich to sponsor the 2017 swimathon.

“For 2017 we are hoping for an even bigger and better event, where we’ll see more people joining the swimathon fun and ultimately more money raised for the chosen charities.”

The swimathon is for swimmers of all ages and abilities, and businesses, organisations and individuals are invited to enter teams of up to six swimmers who ask friends, relations and work colleagues to sponsor them.