TEENAGER Lisa Cook has taken the plunge in a fundraising marathon which she hopes will help to rescue a Fair Oak haven for animals.

Animal lover Lisa, 18, has set herself a target to swim 11 miles in about four weeks during one hour evening sessions at Eastleigh's Fleming Park Leisure Centre.

The sponsored swim will boost the cash flow of the St Francis Animal Welfare Shelter in Mortimers Lane which is threatened with closure if it does not get more financial help.

Lisa wanted to do something for the shelter after hearing of its plight.

The trainee florist at The Flower Shop in Eastleigh's High Street, did a spell of work experience at St Francis which is where her dog Misty, a Jack Russell cross, came from.

Lisa said: "When I read about the shelter I just wanted to help by raising some money."

Joining in the swim marathon is Lisa's mum Irene and a friend Nicky Collins.

There has been a St Francis shelter in Fair Oak for 48 years. Every year it caters for 400 unwanted cats, dogs, rabbits and other animals.