The Great North Swim at Windermere, which was due to take place this weekend - the 4th and 5th September - has been postponed.

The decision was made by organisers for safety reasons after blue-green algae were found in the water.

A potential new 2010 date for the event is now being looked at and all participants will notified before Tuesday 7th September.  Swimmers will be able to either receive a full refund of their entry fee, take part in the rescheduled 2010 date or defer entry until 2011.

Head of sporting events at the Christie charity, Jenny Haskey, said; "We know all our swimmers will be so disappointed, just as much as we are, by this news.  Over the past months, we know how hard you've all been training for the event and know how much effort you've put into fundraising for The Christie.

"Safety does of course come first though so I'm sure everyone understands the decision that has had to be made.

"We'll be speaking to all of our swimmers today though and fingers crossed we'll hear some positive news from the event organisers next week."

Over 165 swimmers were due to take part in the Great North Swim in aid of the Christie charity.

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