SWIMMERS will make a splash in Lyme Bay next month to raise money for charity.

Organisers of the first ever Lyme Splash are busy finalising plans for the swim from Lyme Regis to Charmouth.

Up to 200 places are on offer for keen swimmers to paddle their way across the 3.15km challenge to raise money for Lyme Regis youth music charity B Sharp, along with the Marine Theatre and Water Aid.

Sea swimmers will get a rare opportunity to take part in an organised open sea journey across Lyme Bay and the Jurassic Coast.

Karen Durham-Diggins, chairman of Lyme Splash, said: "We aim to celebrate the water facilities that Lyme Regis and Lyme Bay has to offer.

"Highlighting the wealth of water-sport clubs and opportunities here, we’ve worked together to make this event happen, both for locals and to attract more business into the local economy.

“It’s great having the support of Graham Forshaw - the Harbour Master, the RNLI, Lyme Regis Town Council, Charmouth Parish Council and Foreshore Committee, Lyme Regis’ Power Boat and Sailing Club, local swimming group Jurassic Coast swimmers, as well as physiotherapists, first aiders and volunteers from both Lyme Regis and Charmouth – although we are always on the look out for more."

There will be two groups split into two waves. Those who wish to go faster, where time matters, will be in the 'dash' wave and those who wish to be a bit more leisurely, multiple non-racing speed 'splash' wave.

Everyone taking part will have to be competent open water swimmers who have swum at least one mile in open water. This is a full wetsuit event and swimmers will be radio tagged and checked in and out of the water, with safety boats and crew supporting the partially buoyed route.

The event will take place on Sunday, September 11.

Dorset Tea is joining the event and will be giving all swimmers and volunteers a hot cuppa at the finishing line - as well as donating presentation prizes, goodie bags and a raffle prize. Moores Biscuits is providing swimmers and volunteers biscuits to replenish them and a raffle prize - while Lyme Rib Rides will be whizzing swimmers back after their swim from Charmouth to Lyme Regis.

For more information and to apply for a place, please visit lyme-splash.com