Barnsley Premiere Leisure (BPL) is taking part in what promises to be 'the World's Biggest Swimathon' in April.

The event, which will be held over the weekend of 16-18 April, will involve more than 500 swimming pools nationally and is being organised in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care and the Swimathon Foundation. Organisers are hoping this year's event will be even bigger and better than last year's, which raised an amazing £1.5m for these two worthwhile causes.

BPL will be holding events at Royston Leisure Centre on Saturday 17 (1pm - 5pm) and Sunday 18 (3pm - 5.30) and at the Metrodome Leisure Complex in Barnsley on Sunday 18 (5pm - 7.30pm).

Edward Lim, BPL's swimming development officer, said: "We have had a good response to the Swimathon from local people already, as well as many of our staff and gym members signing up to take part. The Swimathon is a great way to have fun, stay fit and raise money - all at the same time. It's open to all the family too and should be a really exciting weekend for all ages and levels of swimming ability!"

Several different entry options are available, including individual and team swims of 5km, 2.5km and 1.5km distances. Entry costs from just £9 of which 70 per cent will go to Marie Curie and the remaining 30 per cent goes to the Swimathon Foundation.

Beginners need not be put off, as they can opt for the simply swim option and swim as far as they can within their own set period of time. Anyone who signs up for the Swimathon in January will benefit from a half price entry fee.

Swimmers are asked to raised as much money as possible, through sponsorship, which can be done easily online via the swimathon website - www.swimathon.org

The Swimathon is now into its 24th year, with a staggering £32mi raised over the years for various charities and over half a million people getting involved.