Fundraisers hope the warmer September sea will mean more Sidmouth residents are tempted to take the plunge to help boost a pair of causes.

The swim to Ladram Bay was delayed from June after unseasonably cool and choppy water caused problems at another charity event.

Now organisers have 35 people set to take on the 2.2-nautical mile challenge, which is in aid of Sidmouth Lifeboat and the Chestnut Appeal - but they want more locals.

Rachel Shepperd, from Sidmouth Lifeboat, said: “We’re raising money for two fantastic charities – there are a lot of local groups and individuals I’m sure would like to take part.”

She said they are looking for around 50 swimmers for the swim, which will be supervised by a lifeboat crew and a team from Event Water Safety.

The swim was postponed after four RNLI lifeboats and a rescue helicopter had to be scrambled when dozens of people got into trouble during a charity swim in Suffolk, but now the sea has settled.

Among the participants will be Kate Jackson and Jo Billing, two-thirds of the English Channel-swimming East Devon Babes.

“It’s more welcoming than it was in June, much nicer. It’s been a lovely summer so the water is probably around 17 degrees,” said Kate.

“The swim is a decent distance but it’s for a worthy cause.”

David Squires, from the Chestnut Appeal, said: “This section of the Devon coastline makes a stunning backdrop to the swim and we hope that local swimmers will take up the challenge.”

Registration for the Sidmouth to Ladram Bay swim on September 1 is £30, which includes full safety cover, an event T-shirt, a medal on completion and an end of swim snack.

All participants are asked to raise at least £50 in sponsorship.

Entry forms are available by emailing chestnut.events@nhs.net or calling 01752 792736.