Sunday morning saw just over 100 swimmers braving challenging conditions in Sidmouth’s first Great Sea Swim, organised by Sidmouth Surf Lifesaving Club in conjunction with Ace of Clubs Triathlon Club and the event sponsors Kitsons.

Sidmouth Herald: Joe Pavey MBE with the winners from The Great Sea Swim off Sidmouth. Picture SIMON HORNJoe Pavey MBE with the winners from The Great Sea Swim off Sidmouth. Picture SIMON HORN (Image: Archant)

The swim was in the aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust and the event raised £3,100 for the valuable services for young people the charity provides.

With a strong southwest wind whipping up a sizable swell, swimmers tackled 1km, 2km and 3km distances. All but two swimmers completed the course.

First home in the under 16, 1km race was George Manley from Sidmouth Surf Lifesaving Club, in a time of 22:34, followed closely by Millie Down from Chart and Axminster Swimming club with Henry Rousseau-Kennett also from Sidmouth Surf Lifesaving Club coming third.

Josh Roberts from the Sidmouth club was also first in the Open 1km in a time of 24:49.

Sidmouth Herald: George Manley coming ashore first in the 1km race. Picture SIMON HORNGeorge Manley coming ashore first in the 1km race. Picture SIMON HORN (Image: Simon Horn)

The 2km was also dominated by Sidmouth Surf Lifesaving club with brother and sister, Jack and Esmee Gregorous coming first and third respectively, split by Luke Read of Pure Endurance Triathletes. Jack’s winning time was 42:04.

Lynsey Willis won the 3km race in 53:35 with son and father duo, Gavin and Steven Hurley, coming second and third respectively. Jo Pavey started the race and presented the prizes.

Sidmouth Surf Lifesaving Club’s Dave Manley, who was also the race director, said: “It was fantastic to see so many swimmers from around the South West take part in the swim.

“In partnership with Ace of Clubs and Kitsons, we would like to make this an annual event and build swimmer numbers.

Sidmouth Herald: Action during The Great Sea Swim off Sidmouth. Picture SIMON HORNAction during The Great Sea Swim off Sidmouth. Picture SIMON HORN (Image: Archant)

“I would like to thank the team who helped support and organise the race and the swimmers who took part – we hope you will all return to Sidmouth next year.”

Sidmouth Herald: Action during The Great Sea Swim off Sidmouth. Picture SIMON HORNAction during The Great Sea Swim off Sidmouth. Picture SIMON HORN (Image: Simon Horn)