BASINGSTOKE and Deane has come third from bottom in a league table showing the percentage of adults who swim regularly.

The figures, published by Diabetes UK and based on data from Sport England, show that people in the borough are among the least likely to swim regularly in the country.

Basingstoke and Deane ranked third from the bottom, putting it 219th out of 221 local authorities.

The figures show that just 4.96 per cent of adults in the borough swim just once a week. This compares to 11 per cent in Mid Sussex – the area where the most people said they swim regularly. In Southampton, 7.04 per cent of adults swim regularly.

Diabetes UK has published the league table to launch its Swim22 challenge, in which participants swim 22 miles – the distance of the English Channel – at their local pool.

The challenge will take place between February 22 and May 22, and Diabetes UK hopes it will encourage more people to take up swimming as well as raise funds for the charity.

Jill Steaton, south east regional manager for Diabetes UK, said: “We want these results to challenge everyone in the area to make a splash in their local pool.

“Swimming is a great way of getting your regular physical activity. “ To sign up to Swim22, visit diabetes.org.uk/swim22 or call the National Events Team on 0345 123 2399.