A WINDERMERE swimming instructor is attempting to swim the length of the town's famous body of water this weekend.

Niki Moss, 40, is looking to raise £2,000 to help Goodly Dale Community School put the finishing touches on its new astro turf pitch.

"I have been training for over a year now, clocking up more miles than I care to think of," Niki said. "Much of it in winter temperatures that would turn your toes blue, in order to swim the length of Lake Windermere in under 12 hours."

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Niki said that Goodly Dale, the school her daughter Harriet attends, is small but has 'tonnes of heart and passion for sport'.

In 2015, United Utilities provided it with an astro turf pitch but it now needs to be fenced and equipment such as netball posts, football and tennis nets is required.

"The school would like to make this space an integral part of the school's curriculum," Niki said. "As a swimming teacher I am passionate about children's sport and as a parent I am passionate about supporting the professionals who do so very much to bring out the best in our children."

Parents and children alike have supported Niki's training efforts over the months - something which Niki said has made the children even more enthusiastic about the astro turf.

Andrew Corcoran, Head Teacher of Goodly Dale Community Primary School, said: “Mrs Moss is a wonderful parent, friend, member of the PTA and supporter of our school and we are extremely grateful to her for undertaking such a fantastic physical effort on our behalf. I know that she has been in training to hone every muscle and sinew in the months leading up to the event and it is testimony to her courage and determination along with her love of Goodly Dale that she has reached this point today."

Mr Corcoran added: “On behalf of everyone at Goodly Dale I would like to give our sincere thanks to Mrs Moss and please urge as many people as possible to sponsor the event in support of her but also our school community."

Niki will be starting her swim from Waterhead, Ambleside at 5am on September 18 and will finish between 1-3pm at Fell Foot, Newby Bridge. She will cover 12 miles over the course of the day.

To donate to Niki's cause, you can visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/NikiMossWindermereswimforGoodlyDale