People in Fenland are the least likely to go swimming regularly in the whole county.

A league table published by Diabetes UK revealed just 5.8 per cent of adults in Fenland swim once or more a week, compared to 10 per cent in East Cambridgeshire and 9.1 per cent in Cambridge.

To encourage more people to swim, Diabetes UK has launched its Swim 22 challenge, where participants swim 22 miles (the distance across the English Channel) at their pool over the course of three months.

The challenge, which is supported by Tesco, will take place between February 22 and May 22.

Sharon Roberts, eastern regional manager for Diabetes UK, said: “Swimming is a great way to keep physically active, which is really important for preventing Type 2 diabetes.

“And if you already have diabetes then you can help manage your condition through getting plenty of exercise and eating healthily.

“As well as raising funds to help us continue with our vital work supporting people with diabetes and those at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, Swim 22 can also be the spur you need to take swimming up and challenge yourself to get fitter in 2015.”

To sign up to Swim 22 go to www.diabetes.org.uk/swim22 or call the national events team on 0345 123 2399.