THE annual Poole Lions 2016 Charity Swimathon takes place this weekend - and organisers are hoping to raise £30,000 for local causes.

Having raised £770,000 in 37-years organisers were hoping to break the £800,000 mark at Poole's Doph9in swimming pool on Saturday and Sunday.

Lions welfare chairman Graham Starr told the Daily Echo: "The Lions of Poole are roaring in excitement for their 38th fun swim relay and swimarathon. All funds raised by teams entering are donated to local Poole charities.

"The Lions are encouraging Poole residents colleges, schools, clubs, businesses and organisations to take part in the event held at the Dolphin Pool.

"Join us on February 6 or 7 2016 for fun times, record breaking and exciting relay swims."

The Lions are urging teams of six swimmers and a non-swimming captain to take the plunge, completing as many lengths as possible in 55 minutes.

The five charities benefitting this year are children's hospice Julia's House, Montacute School for severe and multiple learning difficulties, Club 21 supporting friends of people with learning difficulties, Purple Teardrop refuge for trafficked women and Forest Holme hospice.

All ages from young children to grandparents took the plunge to help raise charity funds in the fun relay swim.

Among the swimming stars last year were Bournemouth Collegiate School pupils who filled eight lanes, Broadstone Scouts and Montacute School.

Donations can be made directly to the Poole Lions Swimathon or donations can be made by texting SWIM38 followed by £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10 to 70070.

An application form for the swim is available at facebook.com/poolelionsswimarathon or from swimarathon chairman Ian Braid at poolelionsswimathon@gmail.com or 01202 695352.