CHARITY champion, the Mayor of Rossendale, has launched a last fund-raiser to celebrate his year in office -- and is calling on residents to get involved.

Councillor Jimmy Eaton retires in May but has become famous for fund-raising throughout his civic career.

He has raised cash by running, cycling, and swimming, as well as organising sportsman's dinners, auctions and music events to raise cash for charities, organisations and individuals who have asked for his help.

And this year the driving force behind the borough's annual pensioners Christmas parties is organising a triathlon.

Coun Eaton, a postman whose wife Janet helps organise the events, said: "We've done that many charity events I've lost count -- although I do keep a list of everything we've done to refresh my memory."

The couple have brought some of the biggest '60s and '70s bands, including Showaddywaddy and The Searchers, to Rossendale for charity nights.

He has run thousands of miles himself to boost his fund-raising coffers -- but is already dreading his own event.

Coun Eaton said: "I've done a few marathons and triathlon over the years but this will be tough going."

He has organised the event to take place alongside the Mayor's Ball in a bid to raise as much money as possible for the Mayor's Fund.

The triathlon, on May 11, will consist of a one-mile swim -- 76 lengths -- at Marl Pits, Rawtenstall, a five-mile cross country run around the sports centre course before taking on a mammoth 26-mile bike ride from Rawtenstall to Bacup, Bacup to Burnley, Burnley to Rawtenstall, Rawtenstall to Haslingden, Haslingden down to Ewood, in Blackburn, and then from Ewood back to Edenfield before finally reaching Rawtenstall.

Jimmy who keeps fit by walking with his pet dog Ben is hoping locals will join him in his attempt to complete the gruelling event.

He said: "It's going to be hard work but it will be worth it when the challenge is completed and I can hold my head up and say I have done something a bit different.

"I have already got schools involved to help get sponsorship. Fearns and Alder Grange are going to take part and half the money raised will go to the Mayor's charity with the other half going to the school.

"People wanting to take part can do the same, they don't have to do everything they can just do the swim or the run -- it's up to each individual. But I would like as many people as possible to join me."

Jimmy hasn't set himself a goal time, he just hopes to get finished before it turns dark.

He added: "We are hoping for a morning start so we can get finished before night time sets in and have time for a pint at the end of it all because I'm sure I will more than need it."