Gareth Morris at Netley Primary School

A PRIMARY school headteacher will plunge into the murky London Docks early Sunday morning to fundraise for a new toy, books and games library.

Gareth Morris – who is doing a 1.5kilometre swim and 40k bike ride followed by a 10k run – said he was doing it because children had a “right to play” as well as a “right to education”.

He has been the s head at Netley School on the Regent’s Park estate for the last two years.

“The way modern life is now families don’t have any space at home for lots of toys and books,” he said. “We know it is difficult for quiet space to do homework in busy crowded homes. This is city centre life, whatever income you are on.”

He added: “In the toy library they can come in and exchange or borrow toys for a couple of weeks. We thought we could have one room for books and one room for toys. There will be a kitchen area for families where they can have a cup of tea. It can also be a place for staff members reading a story, or for events.”

The former Regent’s Park library in Robert Street was shut down in 2013. Mr Morris said an empty flat once used by a caretaker could provide the space needed.

He said: “I cycle to work and I do go swimming too, but just at the pool. I did swim in the Docks once before – around 15 years ago.

The water is so murky that sometimes you can’t even see the hand in front of your face. So that’s a bit daunting.” Mr Morris will be diving in at 8.55am.

More information: www.app.investmycommunity.com/communitylibrary