FIREFIGHTERS are swapping their swimming caps for bowling balls after a charity swimming contest was cancelled.

Colchester Fire Swim will be replaced by a 24-hour bowlathon this year, after refurbishment work at Colchester Leisure World overran.

The annual Fire Swim was due to take place at the Cowdray Avenue leisure centre’s fitness pool on October 3 and 4. It had to be cancelled after repair work to the pool’s roof was extended after contractors discovered asbestos.

About 100 teams of six will now take turns to bowl for an hour at Tenpin bowling alley, which is also at Colchester Leisure World. Prizes will be awarded to the top scoring teams.

Steve Kerridge, chairman of the Fire Swim committee, said: “We are grateful to Tenpin for accommodating us.

“We didn’t want to disappoint people who had booked and we also wanted to make sure we raised some money for the local community.”

Bowling slots are still available between 2am and 5am on Saturday, October 3. Entry is free.

Visit www.colchesterfireswim.org for more information.