A 2.2-MILE fundraising sea swim event is appealing for participants to take the plunge as it returns to Sidmouth’s shores for the second year.

The route has been reversed, with swimmers now starting out at Ladram Bay and being welcomed to Sidmouth’s shores by the surf lifesaving club.

Last year’s inaugural event raised £840 for Sidmouth Lifeboat and Chestnut Appeal for Prostate Cancer and the causes are keen to see that record smashed on August 31.

Organiser Rachel Shepperd said: “We’re hoping this year’s event will draw an even bigger crowd and raise as much money as possible.”

Ending in Sidmouth will give the swimmers a bigger beach to aim for, and they will benefit from the facilities and food the surf lifesavers put on offer at their Arches HQ.

Rachel is also looking for sponsors, who will get their names on swim caps and T-shirts.

The event almost reached capacity last year but, this summer, she hopes to see 50-to-60 participants take to the water.

Registration is £30, which covers the cost of the organisation of the event, an event T-shirt and swim cap, and a snack. Everyone taking part is also asked for sponsorship.

Participants should be able to swim around 150 lengths of a 25-metre pool.

To enter, visit www.chestnutappeal.org.uk/events/111-event-sidmouth-swim, or to sponsor the event, call Rachel on 01395 516222.