A TEAM of swimmers are planning a relay swim of the Channel next year in a bid to raise money for charities.

Christine Bradley, of Silsden, Claire Kearns, of Bradley, Lucy Mallinson and Carine Brosse, both from Grassington, are planning for their swim next June.

The crossing is approximately 21 miles and will take then an estimated 16 hours. Relay crossings are completed by each team member in one hour increments.

There are very strict rules to every channel swim crossing, including a ban on wetsuits or speedsuits in favour of standard swimwear, a swimcap and a pair of goggles.

A pilot boat deposit has already been paid to secure the time window and crew for the crossing - and the team is now looking at ways of subsidising some of their costs.

And they would also welcome ideas for charities to support.

A blog will be set up to follow progress with the team's training later this month.