KEEN swimmers in Worcestershire are being called on the swim the length of the English Channel - in their local pool.

Diabetes UK is asking people to take the splash as part of its Swim22 challenge, swimming 22 miles to raise money for the charity.

Participants can take part from now until Thursday, May 22.

The charity's senior events manager Mark Fox said swimming was a great way to keep physically active, a good way to prevent type two diabetes.

“If you have ever dreamed about swimming the distance of the English Channel but have been put off because of the cold then this is the perfect challenge for you," he said.

"It’s a great challenge that can spur you on to get fit and take up swimming as a hobby.

"Because you can do the 22 miles over three months, you can gradually build up your fitness and hopefully make swimming part of your regular routine.

“The money raised from Swim 22 will help us to make life better for everyone who is affected by diabetes.”

To sign up to the challenge call 0345 123 2399 or visit diabetes.org.uk/swim22