A ten-year-old girl with type 1 diabetes is going to great lengths to raise awareness for her condition by completing a tough swimming challenge.

Brooke Featherstone, of Flimby, will swim the length of the English Channel with her cousins, Jayden Hutchinson, 9, and Zak Hutchinson, 7, of Maryport.

The trio, who all attend Flimby Primary School, are taking on the Swim 22 Challenge in aid of Diabetes UK. They will swim 22 miles over the next 12 weeks at Workington Leisure Centre.

Brooke was diagnosed with the condition when she was just 16 months old. Her mother, Lisa Featherstone said: "She's had it the best part of her life.

"She's very good at managing it - she counts her carbs and does it all herself. She doesn't let it hold her back at all.

"She asked to do something (for Diabetes UK) and this popped up. She loves swimming - they all do, so she asked Jayden and Zak. They were all very keen."

Jayden and Zak's mother, Kirsten Foster, said her sons wanted to support their cousin while raising money and awareness for the charity.

Vickie Butcher, Diabetes UK North West regional fundraiser said: “We are incredibly grateful to Brooke, Jayden and Zak for all their hard work and dedication to raising awareness of diabetes.

"The lengths that they are going to for the Swim 22 challenge will bring us closer to a world where diabetes can do no harm."

There are currently more than 4.5 million people living with diabetes in the UK. Diabetes UK makes sure people can manage their diabetes well, by providing information, care and support.

To sponsor the youngsters' swimming challenge, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/christine-hutchinson4