YOUR No.1 newspaper has splashed out to foot the bill for hundreds of T-shirts for a swimathon in aid of a Bromsgrove hospice.

The Advertiser/Messenger has stumped up funds to pay for 200 of the specially designed souvenir tops.

Swimmers taking part in the sponsored event, organised by the Primrose Hospice and Cancer Help Centre, will receive a T-shirt when they have completed their swim.

Entrants can do as few or as many lengths as they want during the event set to take place at the town's Dolphin Centre, in School Road, on Sunday November 26, between 12.30pm and 2.30pm.

Sponsorship forms are available from the appeals office, in Sugarbrook Road, Aston Fields, and information forms can be picked up from the Bromsgrove Advertiser's offices, at 5 High Street.

The hospice, in St Godwald's Road, provides care, advice and support for cancer patients, their families and carers.

Special projects manager Des Blee said: "It's a wonderful partnership between the Primrose and the Advertiser which is backing us 100 per cent.

"The Dolphin Centre is also supporting us by letting us use the pool for free on the day."

The T-shirts will be given out on a first come, first served basis.

Call (01527) 875444 for more information.