THE 17th Taunton Soroptimists' Swimathon is almost upon us and organisers are urging people to book lanes now before it's too late.

The 2004 Swimathon has all the markings of a bumper charity fundraiser with a record number of teams having already booked lanes.

Norna Brown, Swimathon committee co-ordinator, said: "We're delighted a number of new teams are swimming this year as well as those who have supported us year after year.

"With less than three weeks to go until the Swimathon anyone thinking of entering a team who hasn't yet booked had better get moving."

The Swimathon bookings officer can be contacted on 01823-272625 and the event takes place at the St James Street pool in Taunton on the weekend of February 7-8.