February 22, 2001 11:58: A MAN is planning to swim the length of Loch Ness, while staying in the swimming pool at Princes Risborough.

Gordon Lawson, of Stokes Croft, Haddenham, is hoping to raise money for a church project by swimming 23 miles, the length of Loch Ness, before the end of April.

The swim, at Princes Risborough's swimming pool in Lower Icknield Way, Longwick, will take 1,472 lengths in total and is for St Mary's Church Millennium Tower Development Project at Haddenham.

Mr Lawson said: "I wanted to get fit but needed an incentive and the Loch Ness challenge seemed like a good idea."

He added: "I thought that I could also use the swim as an opportunity to raise some money for St Mary's Church Tower Project, so if people would like to sponsor me or to join me in the challenge, I would love to hear from them."

St Mary's Church, in Haddenham, launched a £120,000 appeal in September to carry out improvements to the building. Work on its tower development should begin in the next few months.

If you would like to sponsor Mr Lawson, ring him on (01844) 291180.