Between March 9 and 15, young swimmers from all across Shropshire are hoping to raise money for Comic Relief as part of a county-wide challenge to swim the equivalent of the length of the River Severn.

Launched by the STA Shropshire Swim Academy, which runs swim classes at all six local authority-run leisure centres across the county, the Swim the Severn challenge will see children attempting to complete 350km, the length of the River Severn, the longest river in the UK, during their swim classes in March.

Youngsters enrolled in swim classes at Shrewsbury’s Quarry Swimming & Fitness Centre, Oswestry Leisure Centre, Market Drayton Swimming & Fitness Centre, Whitchurch Swimming Centre, Bridgnorth Leisure Centre and Much Wenlock Leisure Centre will all be set the task of completing:

• Oswestry Leisure Centre – 75,036 metres
• Market Drayton Swimming & Fitness Centre – 68,265 metres
• Quarry Swimming & Fitness Centre in Shrewsbury – 65,934 metres
• Whitchurch Swimming Centre – 58,608 metres
• Bridgnorth Leisure Centre – 47,175 metres
• Much Wenlock Leisure Centre – 35, 742 metres

Lisa Smith, Shropshire Swim Academy Manager, said the Swim the Severn challenge will take place during all classes held between March 9 and 15.

“Everyone, no matter how far they can swim, will be taking part, which is absolutely fantastic,” she said. “From our youngest learners, who can only swim a length of the pool with buoyancy aids, to our advanced swimmers who can swim hundreds of metres, this is going to be a special week to raise money for a very deserving cause.

“It’s the ideal time for the swimmers to show off exactly what they can do in the pool and I have no doubt that many of them will use the charity challenge to make sure they get their next distance badges.”

STAnley, STA’s water safety mascot, is also promising to make an appearance to encourage the children in their challenge.

STA and Shropshire Council launched the STA Shropshire Swim Academy in January 2011 to improve the quality of swim teaching in the county and offer a standardised learning programme.

The Academy has gone from strength to strength, with uptake for swimming classes across all disciplines soaring by 45 per cent and more classes than ever before.

For further information on how to take part, please contact your local leisure centre.