SWIMMERS will return to Lyme Bay and take the plunge to raise more money for charity.

After tallying up £900 for charity last year, the Lyme Splash will return in September, with more places available for swimmers wishing to take part.

The event will take place on Sunday, September 10 and swimmers will set off to swim 3.15km or 1.7 nautical miles from Lyme Regis to Charmouth, waved off by supporters and newly appointed Lyme Regis mayor, Cllr Michaela Ellis.

This year, organisers are allowing 150 swimmers to take part, up from last year's 100 competitors.

Karen Durham-Diggins, chairman of Lyme Splash, said: “We had a fantastic feedback last year, from the swimmers, our safety team and volunteers who took part. They all really enjoyed the challenge.

“We learnt a lot and have fine tuned the event to make it even better this year.

“We’ve already had a lot of interest from last year’s entrants as well as people who have since heard about the event.”

She added: “There has also been a great response from our local sponsors and raffle prize-givers. On completing the swim, our swimmers will receive a delicious cup of 70 per cent origin hot chocolate from Dorset chocolatiers, Chococo, and biscuits from Moores Biscuits before being whizzed back to Lyme Regis by Lyme Rib Rides.

“Sponsorship from Lyme Bay Holidays has also really helped support the behind the scenes infrastructure.

"There will be prizes too from Chococo at the presentation celebration at the Marine Theatre after the swim. River Cottage, Ammonite Fine Foods, The Pilot Boat, Herbie’s Dino Bar, Lyme Bay Rides, Moores Biscuits and the Marine Aquarium have all stepped forward again and provided some great raffle prizes and there will be more to come.”

Last year, Lyme Splash raised £900 through swimmers sponsorship, raffle and entry fees split equally between three charities - Lyme Regis youth music group B Sharp, The Marine Theatre and national charity Water Aid. This year, organisers aim to raise even more.

Swimmers have to be competent in the sea and have swum at least one mile in open water in order to enter. Anyone wishing to swim needs to sign up quickly as places will go fast.

Anyone wishing to take part should register online at lyme-splash.com