A gruelling marathon swimming challenge is being undertaken by a weekly press photographer to raise money for Bowel Cancer UK.

Diane Allen, from the Dewsbury Reporter, is hoping to swim 22 miles, the equivalent of the English Channel crossing, over the next few months.

The 35-year-old is already well on her way to surpassing her £500 target for the charity which has been helping her father who underwent surgery after being diagnosed with the disease in October.

Diane, who has been with the Reporter for 18 years, plans to cover the 1,073 lengths through thrice-weekly sessions at Dewsbury Sports Centre which has granted her free access for the duration of the challenge.

She said: “My family has gone through so much and we are so thankful to the nurses and surgeons who helped give my dad extra life.

“I hope I can eventually do the lengths in two visits. I’m comfortable with swimming so I’m better doing this than, say, going to a gym.”

Diane will be helped by husband Roy, he eight-year-old daughter and other family members.