MORE THAN 60 swimmers have raised thousands of pounds for the RNLI by taking on the challenge of this morning's Caldey Swim.

The 2.5 mile crossing between the monastic island and Tenby had been postponed from its original date of a fortnight ago because of weather conditions.

But the elements co-operated at 11am today, as the swimmers left from Caldey's Priory Beach, supported by a fleet of safety craft.

First back on Tenby's North Beach, just ahead of the rain, was Tenby's own Hayden Johns, who completed the crossing in 54 minutes 30 seconds. Around four minutes behind him were Surrey police sergeant Sarah Hempenstall, a member of the sporting White family of Saundersfoot and Jon David of Neyland Pharmacy.

The event was organised by Tenby Sea Swimming Association and was sponsored by the Port of Milford Haven, Princes Gate Water, FBM Holidays, Tenby House Hotel and Four Seasons.

Medals were presented by Pembrokeshire County Council cabinet member Councillor Phil Baker and the mayor of Tenby, Councillor Sue Lane.

Said the mayor: "Congratulations to the organisers on another successful Caldey Swim, and of course, to everyone who took part.

"It wasn't an easy task having to postpone the event and then rearrange it, but it's all gone off well and it was great to be able to present the first medal to Hayden, who is not only a Tenby boy but a former town councillor."

  • See Wednesday's Western Telegraph for more words and pictures on the Caldey Swim.