An epic annual swimming challenge in west Dorset has been cancelled due to weather.
The Lyme Splash race from Lyme Regis to Charmouth was due to take place this Sunday, September 6, but organisers have confirmed that it will not be taking place this afternoon.
The event, which typically sees hundreds of swimmers take to the Jurassic Coast to raise money for charity, was set to be handed over to the RNLI Lyme Regis team this year, after former organiser Karen Durham-Diggins stepped down last year.
READ MORE Lyme Splash swim Lyme Regis to Charmouth for RNLI returning | Bridport and Lyme Regis News
This year, it was set to raise money for the lifesaving service in Lyme Regis, and £5,000 was hoped to be collected from the annual event.
50 people were already signed up and organisers confirmed that the decision was made now to give people as much notice as possible.
Organisers have been monitoring weather forecasts and made the decision following concerns of strong winds of up to force 5 on the Beaufort scale.
All entrants are now being contacted and will be given the option of deferring to next year's event or receiving a refund of their entry fee.
The RNLI's Fundraising & Partnership Lead Dave Nicholl said: “We are obviously very disappointed to have to cancel this year's RNLI Lyme Splash Swim but the safety of our swimmers, and the volunteers who support the event, is paramount. Thank you to everyone who had entered or had offered to help. It is planned to hold next year's event earlier in the year when, hopefully, the weather will be more favourable.”
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