YOUNG swimmers have taken the plunge and set off on their way to Beijing.

But the members of Bolton Metro Swimming Squad will not be leaving the borough, as they bid to reach the Chinese capital.

For they are completing the distance between their home town and the venue for this year's Olympic Games in the swimming pool. About 80 youngsters between the ages of eight and 18 will each cover up to 15,000 metres a day over the next month.

They will swim a total of 8,100,000 miles between them - about 324,000 lengths at swimming pools across Bolton - where they are completing the challenge.

The splash-happy team is raising cash which will go to club funds. Head coach Tony McGrail said: "There are a lot of members in the squad who can dream of London 2012 Olympics and this challenge will, hopefully, be a great incentive.

"All the money we raise will go towards training. Every member of the squad is very committed and they are really showing their determination by helping to raise money."

But competing at Beijing is not just just a dream for every club swimmer. Squad member, 18-year-old Rachel Latham, is preparing for trials for Great Britain's squad at this summer's paralympic games.

Anybody who would like to sponsor the club's marathon swim can log on to www.bmswimsquad.org.uk"