CROSS-CHANNEL champion Mark Blewitt is to be honoured for his exceptional feat of endurance.

The 35-years-old diabetic, who only took up swimming eight years ago to get fit, last month completed a cross-Channel marathon in 16 hours 20 minutes.

As a result he has been nominated for an Outstanding Achievement Recognition Award by his Wigan and Leigh Infirmary specialist, Dr Ian O'Connell

The award, especially for people with the condition, will be presented on World Diabetes Day, November 14, by fellow diabetic, and five times Olympic rowing champion, Sir Steve Redgrave.

Mark, a marketing account director with an advertising agency, of Cleveland Drive, Lowton, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 22 years ago, and after deciding his hectic lifestyle was not good for his health took up swimming, moving up to long distance which culminated in the 21 mile channel swim.

Mark, who trains with Haslingden SC, has previously completed the 28.5 mile swim round Manhattan Island, New York, and last year finished the gruelling Lake Windermere event which involved completing two lengths of England's longest lake from Ambleside to Fellfoot and back in a time of 14 hours 22 minutes.

Mark said: "Neither come close to the effort of planning a Channel crossing."

As a result of his success he is now considering organising a diabetes channel relay for 2004-5.

For this a team of six is needed, each person swimming an hour each. Anyone interested can contact him on 07973 960003.