INTREPID swimmers are hoping to raise more than £2,500 by swimming 70 miles in 12 hours.

The Moonlight Swimathon is to be held at Ryedale Swim and Fitness Centre in Pickering on Saturday, March 3.

It is being organised by leisure operators Everyone Active, who run the pool alongside the district council.

Swimmers will dive into the pool at 3.30pm and will aim to collectively swim 4,608 lengths - the length of the River Derwent - in 12 hours, making their final stroke at 3.30am.

Rachael Barnes, general manager at Everyone Active’s Ryedale Swim and Fitness Centre, said: “Swimming is a fantastic way to keep active, and I would encourage anyone who is looking to get fit, to make a splash in the swimming pool and sign up for the event, to help us reach our target.”

The swimathon is raising vital money for Ryedale Special Families.

The charity, which was established in 1997, offers support for more than 400 families across the district.

They offer support for families of children and young people with disabilities, special additional needs and illnesses by organising education days out, social groups and family activities.

Toni Lamb, who works as a personal trainer at the centre, relocated to Ryedale early last year with her nine-year-old daughter Alice, who is autistic.

“Toni was recommended Ryedale Special Families by a friend, and has since found their services invaluable.

“The staff at Ryedale Special Families are specialists in looking after children with disabilities, and they are attentive towards Alice’s needs,” she said.

“She loves going on day trips with staff, especially to the beach.

“The services that the charity offer mean that I am able to do what I love, and I am able to work as a PT at Ryedale Swim and Fitness Centre while knowing that Alice is in safe hands.”

Rob Davies, funding coordinator at Ryedale Special Families, said: “We are really excited for the swimathon.

“I would encourage everyone to get involved and dive into this challenge in a bid to get active and raise money.”

To sign-up for the swimathon, visit the event website at everyoneactive.com/newsryedale-moonlight-swimathon.