A PENSIONER who has been using his love of swimming to raise funds for charity for more than 40 years has embarked on his biggest splash yet – swimming from Purley to France.

Barry Kay, 76, of Kenley, will swim the equivalent distance to Cap Gris Nez on the French west coast by completing 5,782 lengths of Purley pool.

But despite his advancing years the founder-member of local swimming group Early Birds is unfazed by the challenge and is urging others to join.

He said: "I'm hoping others might follow my lead and take up the challenge.

"Since I retired I decided I didn't want to just become a cabbage and if I could combine that with swimming and helping those in need that seemed to be the way forward.

"I can look back and say at least I have done something. I'm also in the privileged position that my previous employer doubles whatever I raise.

"I don't think I'm a good cyclist and running doesn't appeal to me so I've always chosen swimming. It keeps me fit and away from the wife in the mornings.

"It has been a lifetime interest and a lifetime job. I certainly don't want to give up and hopefully can keep on going. I would like to get beyond the age of 80 and I don't see there is any reason why I can't do that.

"I will continue to swim for good causes for as long as god allows me."

The plucky pensioner, of Fairoak Close, has already completed more than 1,000 lengths, swimming 70 a day since the New Year and is due to reach the target by June.

Well-travelled Barry, who claims to have swum "in nearly every ocean", says his most memorable galas were swimming for Great Ormond Street Hospital in London and across the Llafranc bay, northeast Spain.

He learned to swim in 1946, but his fundraising career started in 1969 in an event sponsored by the Croydon Advertiser when he swam for Croydon Swimming Club in aid of mentally handicapped children.

Pam Blair, 59, a receptionist at Purley pool, said: "I love him I really do. He comes in in the morning, he has always got a joke and a smile. He is lovely.

"We see him everyday without fail and he swims all those lengths. He is ten times fitter than me. I wouldn't have the energy to do what he does."

Barry is also calling for people to come forward to help Early Birds tip the £100,000 raised for charity mark with the group's Annual Relay Swimathon on February 4. To enter either challenges enquire at Purley pool reception, Purley Leisure Centre.