VOLUNTEERS are being urged to take the plunge to help fund a cancer information centre in Southampton.

Macmillan Cancer Relief is asking local people to "swim the Channel" to boost the Daily Echo-backed South Hampshire Appeal.

The campaign is raising £1m to fund a cancer information and support centre currently being built at Southampton General Hospital.

However, swimmers won't have to brave the 22 miles of freezing water - they can swim the equivalent distance in the comfort of Shirley Swimming Pool.

The challenge starts this month and will continue for at least a year.

David Perry, manager at Shirley Swimming Pool, said: "The idea is very simple. Regular swimmers from the pool will pay an entry fee of £4 then arrange and collect their own sponsorship.

"Participants will swim 1,408 lengths of the pool, which is equal to 22 miles.

"This can be achieved by regular

sessions at which the number of lengths swum are recorded by pool staff on a record card until the magic 1,408 lengths is achieved."

Organisers hope about 150 children aged between six and 15 will take part in the challenge, along with about 50 regular adult swimmers.

Prizes and certificates will be presented to all participants and the distance can be swum by teams as well as individuals.

It is hoped the sponsored swim will raise about £5,000 for the appeal.

Entry forms are available from the pool in Kentish Road, Shirley.

To find out how you can help the appeal, telephone 023 8023 6367.