TINY Elicia Clark might only be nine months old -- but she's already made a big splash for charity.

The water baby joined more than 30 other youngsters at a 60-minute splashathon, organised by Waves in Blackburn,

The fund-raising feat was to raise money for the vital work of Tommys, the premature and still born babies charity, and has special meaning because her brother, Richie, was stillborn in October 2002.

Proud mum Emma O'Connor, 23, of Hamilton View, Great Harwood, said: "I have been taking Elicia swimming since she was three months old, and she has taken to it like a duck to water. She loves splashing."

Not only has Miss O'Connor raised £104 from splashathon sponsorship, but has also collected a further £55 from car boot sales on behalf of the charity.

Sarah Drinkwater, duty manager at Waves, has organised the event for the last three years after her own son, Shane, was born two months' prematurely.

She said: "I know first-hand how important Tommys' work is.

"We should raise at least £350 today, and it is a great chance for the children to get in the water, gain confidence and have fun."

One of the other young splashers was eight-month-old Alistair Burdus, son of Waves lifeguard Merlin Burdus.

Mr Burdus hopes that Alistair's efforts will generate bumper funds for the charity.

He said: "It is for such a good cause so we had to get involved.

"Alistair has had a fantastic time and has raised £150 for Tommys."