GRAB your goggles and take on the thrill of an open water swim for St Helena Hospice this September.

The new event will take place at Curve Wake Part, St Osyth, on Saturday, September 14,and swimmers can choose to swim either 1.5km or 3km in aid of the hospice.

The 1.5km is ideal if you’re used to swimming in the confines of your local pool, or have yet to face longer distances, while the 3km route will push those looking for a longer challenge and is perfect for people training towards longer distance triathlons.

Lisa Chenery, St Helena’s events and challenges fundraiser, said: “We’re really excited to launch this new event that will hopefully appeal to regular swimmers as well as those looking for a new or different challenge.

“This is the longest distance open water swimming event in north Essex and taking part is a great chance for people to experience the buzz of being part of a fantastic sporting event.

“All the money raised through people taking part in this sponsored swim will go towards helping local people face incurable illness and bereavement, supporting them, their families and carers.”

Anyone over the age of 14 can sign up and everyone will have to take a short swimming test of the morning of the event before they take on the 1.5km or 3km route.

Entry is £25 per person and everyone who signs up will receive a swim hat to wear on the day and a well-earned medal at the end.

To sign up, visit sthelena.org.uk/openwaterswim.