A YOUNG brother and sister from Yarm are swimming the equivalent of the English Channel to raise money for a spinal cord injury charity.

Jack and Bethany Pickering, aged 11 and eight, respectively, are among the youngest swimmers in the country taking part in the event for Aspire.

Jack, who attends Conyers School, and Bethany, who is a pupil at Yarm Primary School, have until December 9 to complete 22 miles in the pool at the Sporting Lodge gym, in Rainton, near Middlesbrough.

Their mother, Joanne, 38, is also taking part in the challenge.

She said: "They are up to about four miles now, and are on target to make it 22 miles by the deadline. They are enjoying it and are determined to do it. They both want to finish it.

"I'm more used to running - I did the Great North Run last week for Aspire - but I am enjoying it, as well."

Now in its ninth year, the Aspire Channel Swim hopes to raise about £500,000 nation-wide. To take part, contact Rosie Cotton at Aspire Channel Swim, Freepost Ang40106, Stanmore, HA7 4BR, freephone 08000-370-880 or go to www.aspirechannelswim.co.uk