A CHARITY event which fell victim to the recent floods is back on the calendar.

Water is not usually a problem for swimmers, but the Winchester Rotary Swimathon, due to be held at Winchester College on February 22, was postponed when the pump room at the college's pool in Kingsgate Street became submerged.

The fundraiser will now go ahead on April 12.

Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Ernie Jeffs, has put his weight behind the event.

He said: “The work that the Rotary does is very laudable and their work is voluntary, so I always try to get behind them whenever possible.

“I might get the trunks out - we'll have to see!”

The event is the fifth to be held in Winchester and residents are encouraged to put a team together to swim in relay for 55 minutes.

Proceeds will go to the mayor's chosen charities: the Countess Mountbatten Hospice, Hounds for Heroes, and the Network Scouts.

Entrants are also asked to donate £25 from any sponsorship money to the Rotary Trust Fund.

Last year's event saw more than 100 swimmers turn out at St Swithun's School, forming 28 teams and raising more than £10,000 for charity.

Peter Symonds College will be looking to preserve its sterling record in the event, having swum the most lengths last year - an impressive 207.