OLYMPIC swimmers Suki Brownsdon and Steve Mellor took a break from their busy training schedules to help hundreds of local schoolchildren take the plunge for a charity.
The one-day event at Darwen Leisure Centre was part of the national Uncle Ben's Swim for Britain initiative which aims to raise £200,000 to send British athletes to the Olympic Games in Atlanta.
The 400 youngsters swam for 20 minutes and were sponsored for each length they completed.
They were presented with a commemorative Olympic medal and Uncle Ben's swimming cap for their efforts.
Sukie Brownsdon, who offered her expert advice on the day, said: "Swimming is a great form of exercise and is an ideal sport for anyone, especially when coupled with a healthy balanced diet.
"The fund-raising initiative was great fun, and educational at the same time."
The initiative is touring more than 40 towns and cities around the UK and is being supported by some of the country's top swimmers and athletes.
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