SWIMMERS from all over London have been diving into action raising money for this year’s Lord Mayor’s Appeal. The City of London’s annual charity ’City Dip’ opened this-morning with 300 participants at the Golden Lane leisure centre near the Barbican

SWIMMERS from all over London have been diving into action today and are back again tomorrow (Saturday) raising money for this year's Lord Mayor's Appeal.

The City of London's annual charity event, City Dip, opened this-morning with 300 participants at the Golden Lane leisure centre just north of the Barbican. It began with primary schools' relay.

The charities benefiting from this year'sLord Mayor's Appeal are the Cricket Foundation and the London Symphony Orchestra, both supporting disadvantaged youngsters in some of the poorest boroughs such as Tower Hamlets and Hackney in East London.

The Lord Mayor, Nick Anstee, said: "Sport and music can help to transform the lives of youngsters for the better."

The City Dip is a three mile swim which can be completed either by a individuals or by a team of up to six.

Last year's event raised �25,000, adding to the sums raised over the past six years now totalling �150,000.

City livery companies have also raised money for the Appeal, with the Needlemakers, Basketmakers and the Worshipful Company of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators all competing in this year's Dip.