WINCHESTER Rotary Club is urging people to take part in its annual swimathon next year.

Registration is open for the event in February which raises money for charity.

Last year it raised £10,000 for Winchester Live at Home Scheme, Winchester Churches Nightshelter, Street Reach and Winchester Rotary Support for Senior Citizens.

But this year's participants are invited to swim for a charity of their choice.

A spokesman said: “We want to help as many charities as we can. We want in these difficult economic times to help keep a small charity afloat or help them reach a particular target.”

They can also swim for the club's 2013 chosen charities - Winchester Youth Counselling, Sebastian's Action Trust, Winnall Rock School or the Winchester Rotary Trust Fund.

Paralympic gold medallist Peter Hull will also be at the event to lend his support.

Teams are asked for a £25 donation to the Winchester Rotary Trust Fund on registration and sponsorship money will be distributed by Rotary to the nominated charities.

To register visit winchesterswim.co.uk.