A WESTLEA Housing Association worker put on his swimming trunks later this month to raise money for a national children's charity.

Martyn Matthews, 57, of Lypiatt Mead, Corsham, is the maintenance services coordinator for the Chippenham-based association.

He will swim 5km at Corsham's Springfield Centre in Swimathon 2006, which is aiming to raise £2m for children's charity NCH.

He is appealing for swimmers to join him and for sponsorship to help raise £500 for the charity.

Mr Matthews said: "I have supported Swimathon events in the past and I am really pleased to be able to exercise and raise money for charity at the same time."

Most of the money raised will go directly to NCH but the Swimathon Foundation will distribute 20 per cent of funds to smaller local charities.

To sign up for Swimathon's 20th anniversary swim on March 23-26 call 0845 3670036, email info@swimathon.org or pick up an entry form from your local participating pool.

Anyone who wants to sponsor Mr Matthews can contact him at Westlea Housing on (01249) 466090 or email martyn.matthews@westlea.co.uk