SWIMMERS in Thornbury will take the plunge this weekend to raise cash for two top charities.

The event, known as The Big Splash, is organized by Thornbury Rotary Club every year at held at Thornbury Leisure Centre.

Thousands of swimmers have taken part to raise money for charities, local initiatives and good causes over the years, raising well over £300,000 to date.

The club were delighted that so many took part last year with the total figure came to an amazing £12,000.

Over 51 teams swam 7,128 lengths over Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, one weekend in March. The principal beneficiaries were the Bristol Oncology Centre and the Wellbeing of Women in the Third World Charity of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

The club are hoping for similar success this year and are looking for teams to fill the final 12 lanes.

This year’s principal charities are The Alzheimer’s Society and The Avon Riding Centre for the Disabled.

Thornbury Rotary Club member Colin Ingamells said: “This family event will be held over the weekend of the February 28 to March 2. We will be swimming to the Caribbean sound of the Castle School Steel Band and the vocal support of many excited onlookers. It’s a great atmosphere. You don’t have to be fast, you don’t have to be a great swimmer and you don’t have to swim on your own. In fact, you can have as many as six in a team, each taking it in turn to swim lengths. Each session is 55 minutes and once you’ve finished you’ll receive your personal certificate to prove you did it.

“As well as the main beneficiaries, we support local initiatives, projects and good causes. Every single penny raised is handed over to charity in one form or another.”

Contact Adrian Dennis by email ardennis@blueyonder.co.uk or mobile: 07970 435520 if you would like to enter.