SWIMMERS are needed to take the plunge at local pools and help raise money for charity.

Emmerdale star Lucy Pargeter wants people to help support the ninth annual Tommy's Splashathon.

Babies, toddlers and youngsters raise money by swimming a width or length of a pool.

Funds raised help Tommy's baby charity research premature birth, stillbirth and miscarriages.

Lucy, who plays Chastity Dingle, said: "As a mum myself, I know first-hand how much fun splashing around in the pool with your little one can be.

"I was lucky enough to have a healthy pregnancy, but I was shocked to hear that every two minutes in the UK, a baby is lost through miscarriage, stillbirth or because they were born too soon."

Pools at Bedale, Northallerton, Richmond, Stokesley, Harrogate and Thirsk are getting involved.

Each child taking part gets a free pair of Huggies swim pants and a certificate, with prizes for raising more than £40. To take part, call the Splashathon hotline on 0870 770 7069, or go to www.little swimmers.com/uk