THE only thing that prevented Helen Legg from enjoying her swim across the English Channel was the jellyfish.

Helen, aged 17, successfully negotiated the waves as part of a team of six teenagers, raising money for a children's hospice.

The Worcester College of Technology student swam for an hour - the middle leg - and then the final six minutes, up to the beach in France.

"There were a few ferries about, producing big waves, but the main problem was all the rubbish and the junk in the middle of the Channel," said Helen, from Victoria Road, Great Malvern.

"There was a lot of jellyfish about too, which I really can't cope with, but fortunately they were quite deep so I didn't get stung."

Helen is studying for a National Diploma in Health Studies, and is a member of her college's unique Talented Athlete Programme, so she combines her studying with intensive training at camps in Malta and Weymouth.

The former Hanley Castle High School pupil has been a competitive swimmer since the age of eight and hopes one day to swim the entire 22 miles from Dover to Calais.

She said: "Even though there's a support boat it can get pretty lonely out there. You can't see England or France and the boat's often a couple of minutes ahead or behind you.

"Although my hour flew by, I was quite relieved when they told me I'd completed it - and I hadn't been stung."

Helen is raising money for the Children's Hospice South West. To help her with sponsorship, call Anna Higgins at Worcester College of Technology on 01905 743583.