Store manager David Fytche has found an ideal way to cool off after a hard day's work in the lingerie department - swimming the English Channel for charity.

Mr Fytche, 29, the deputy store manager at Debenham's in Magdalen Street, Oxford, is one of a team of six who will be swimming from Dover to Calais and back.

The fundraising swim - 22.5 miles each way - will take place from Monday, August 6, depending on the tides and weather forecasts.

Mr Fytche expects temperatures in the Channel to be cooler than in the lingerie department - about 16C.

But he has no qualms about swimming six or seven hour-long sessions after winning the Open Water national championships in 1997, 1998 and 2000.

He said: "I'm raising money for the Fire Service Benevolent Fund and the rest of the team, which is from New York, is raising funds for sufferers of Motor Neurone disease.

"Until 2001, I swam for Great Britain and I have done a relay between Malta and Sicily, so I am not too worried about being able to complete the distances.

"We will be on a 35ft sailing vessel with the Channel Swimming and Piloting Association.

"Everyone will take a turn and then sleep through the night before getting in the water again.

"The two-way relay in the Channel has only been done about 30 times before, so we will be in good company if we manage it."

Mr Fytche, who lives in Bracknell, Berkshire, with his wife Rebecca, 28, does not yet know how much money will be raised by the three-man, three-woman team.

He said: "They are both excellent causes.

"My wife thinks I am bit mad for doing this, but I have no problem with it.

"The comedian David Walliams has put the spotlight on cross-Channel swimming and he did an excellent time.

"The furthest distance I did was 25km at the European Championships in Helsinki, so swimming the Channel will be no problem when I am part of a team of six."

To sponsor him, email davidfytche@hotmail.com