RESIDENTS are being challenged to take to the water and swim a mile for Sport Relief.

Swimmers at Bedale, Northallerton, Stokesley and Thirsk leisure centres must complete their mile between March 17 and 23.

They can keep track of how far they are swimming by making use of Hambleton’s new swimtag watches which can be collected from all receptions.

Seven local schools will be using the pools at Bedale, Stokesley and Thirsk to do their miles during weekly swim lessons.

A pound of every paid swim will be donated to Sport Relief.

The event will finish on Friday, March 23 with a family disco splash in each centre.

Hambleton is one of 12 councils across the country working with Sport England to encourage more people to use their local swimming pool.

Anybody wanting to take part in the swim a mile challenge needs to register at swimtag.co.uk