THE?world’s biggest annual fundraising swim is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

And swimmers across the UK, including East Hampshire and South West Surrey are being encouraged to take the plunge in one of more than 600 participating Swimathon pools and raise vital funds for cancer charity Marie Curie.

The swimathon takes place from April 7-9.

Swimmers can challenge themselves to five kilometres, two-and-a-half kilometres or one-and-a-half kilometres as an individual or five kilometres or one-and-a-half kilometre distancesas part of a team.

Marie Curie community fundraiser Wendy Savage is encouraging peopleto put on their swim suits and head down to their local pool to take in a Swimathon challenge.

“We are looking for swimmers to help make this the biggest and best Swimathon yet,” she said.

“In 2015, 22,600 swimmers took part and helped raise a brilliant £1.9million for Marie Curie – a fantastic achievement but one we are hoping to beat this year.”

To sign up, visit www. swimathon.org.