TV presenter Christine Bleakley is to water-ski across the Channel to raise money for Sport Relief.

The presenter, who co-hosts the BBC television programme The One Show, has been training since October, mainly in the gym and on lakes, but has already visited Ramsgate.

She is expected to attempt the crossing in late February or early March, depending on the weather and tidal conditions.

It will be a massive physical challenge for Miss Bleakley who, before training, had never been water-skiing.

She will have to contend with freezing temperatures and skiing on rough water, guided by a pilot through the busy shipping lanes.

Christine said she was inspired to take up the challenge after visiting Uganda last year and meeting a family whose mother had died of aids.

“At the age of 13, the oldest daughter had become the sole carer of herself and her five brothers and sisters, living in a hut.

“She has been in my thoughts literally every day since and that’s why I am putting myself through this and raise as much money as I can.”

She's being trained by Professor Greg Whyte, who also trained comedian David Walliams for his successful Channel swim, also for Sport Relief, in July 2006.

People can support her challenge by donating via the Sport Relief website.