SWIMMERS are being invited to swim the length of the TT course to raise funds for St John Ambulance Isle of Man's community first responders.

The challenge will take place at the Western Swimming Pool in Derby Road, Peel, and will be launched on January 16.

Participants will have 12 weeks to swim 37.75 miles - which equates to 2,416 lengths of the pool.

The £10 entry fee will go to the community first responders, highly trained first aiders who are despatched by the Isle of Man Ambulance and Paramedic Service to go to the aid of people who become ill in rural areas. They often arrive before an emergency crew and tend to the patient until the crew arrives.

Swimmers can undertake the challenge alone or as part of a team and they can, if they wish, raise funds for their own preferred charities as well.

The challenge is the idea of Krysy Howard who is a lifeguard at the pool who has trained to be a community first responder.

Krysy said: "If you sign up to the challenge it's quite a commitment as you'll need to complete around 200 lengths of the pool each week.

"Everyone will receive a booklet to record their miles in and we will also have a sheet at the pool which will be stamped with participants' progress.

"It's just £2.50 per session to swim if you are doing the challenge - instead of the usual £3.50 - and everyone who completes it will receive a medal and a certificate."

To register or to find out more call the pool on 842525.

For further information about St John Ambulance Isle of Man ring 674387 or visit www.sja.org.uk/sja/counties/isle-of-man.aspx