The 2003 Jersey Swimarathon got underway at Fort Regent on Thursday morning.

The organisers hope the event, which runs until February 17, will raise more than �90,000 for charity.

It was officially opened by Jersey's Lieutenant Governor, Air-Chief Marshal Sir John Cheshire at 0945 GMT.

All funds raised will go to Focus on Mental Health and Jersey Cheshire Homes.

�1.3m raised

This will be the last year it will be held at the Fort after the decision was taken to move the event to Les Quennevais.

The first Jersey Swimarathon took place in 1972 and raised just over �4,000.

Since then the Swimarathons have raised more than �1.3m for charities on the island.

There is still a chance for teams to enter and anyone interested can contact the Lions Club.

The pool at Fort Regent will reopen to the public on February 17.