Rotary-Congleton's popular Swimathon will return to the town's Leisure Centre as soon as possible, says Rtn Eric Westwood.

The annual event is normally run every February and enjoys massive support from sponsored teams of swimmers from families, organisations and schools throughout the local area.

Many swimmers return year after year with some stalwarts having been there from the start!

Swimathon raises many thousands of pounds for local good causes. This year, due to Covid-19, the event has had to be postponed.

But Rotary says it's just that. Postponed, not cancelled!

Rotary-Congleton organises the Swimathon with each team that enters raising sponsorship money, which is split with half being spent on the team's own nominated charity and the balance distributed to Rotary's deserving causes.

"It's not just the swimmers, who enjoy the event," Mr Westwood said.

"It's the parents, friends and families as well as the generosity of local businesses who return every year and provide sponsorship, that will miss the Swimathon.

"But we will be back," he continued. "Once we know that the swimming pool is open again, with no restrictions on changing rooms, social distancing and the full capacity of the baths being available, we can start to plan the next Swimathon.

"It won't be in February 2021, but it will take place as soon as possible when things get back to normal."