A GRUELLING beach assault course featuring a chilly dip in the sea will raise cash for charity.

St Helena Hospice has launched the Sandman event at East Mersea on Saturday March 1.

Competitors will take on a five-mile assault course which promises to test you to the limit.

As well as a combination of natural and man-made obstacles, the event – not a race – also includes an optional sea swim for the brave. The exact nature of the obstacles has been kept a tightly guarded secret.

Competitors are invited to enter as a group and encouraged to put teamwork ahead of a personal time. Everyone who completes the challenge receives a Sandman 2014 dog tag and there will be live music, food and drink available at the finish line.

The event takes place at the Essex Outdoors centre, in East Mersea.

Entry to the event costs £25 per person, with each participant having to raise a minimum of £25 sponsorship.

Competitors must be aged 16 or over, with under-18s needing parental consent to take part.

Registration closes on Monday, February 24, or when 400 participants have registered.