HUNDREDS of people took to the water as part of a sea swimming charity challenge this morning. For the first time, the Human Race Poole Swim took place from Sandbanks, with more than 500 people donning their wetsuits in order to participate. The event, in aid of charity Sue Ryder, offers three distances of 750 metres, 1,500m and 3,000m.

Brothers Andy and Dave Williams travelled to Dorset from Ickenham in Greater London to take part. “After we're done here we're off to watch Chelsea play,” said Andy.

See all our pictures from the swim here

Siobhan Curtis and Steve Morris, both members of the Oprington Ojays Swimming Club, were facing their first-ever sea swim. But for Siobhan, the event is a precursor to an even bigger challenge. She said: “I'm taking part in an Ironman in six weeks in Brazil.

“This is the first time I've done an open water swim in the sea, but hopefully it'll all go well. I'm looking forward to getting started.”

Lauren Curry, visiting Dorset from Cambridge, completed the 750 metre swim. She said: “We're staying in Swanage and tomorrow we'll go for a stroll along the coast path.

“It's such a lovely place to do something like this.”

Shoo Painter, of Bath, took on the 1,500 metre challenge wearing just a swimming costume. She said: “It's just too restrictive for me.

“I think the reason for swimming in the open water is to be close to the elements anyway. I'm sure it'll be cold to start with but very quickly I'll be ok.”

Jo Whiting and Steve Smoker, both of Hamble in Hampshire, finished the 750 metre stretch before standing at the finish line to welcome home Steve's wife Annabel, taking on the 1,500m swim.

Jo said: “We're all doing it for Annabel's 50th, so it's something a bit different. “It's the first open water swim I've done, and I absolutely loved it. I thought it was brilliant.”

Matt Brooke, operations manager for Human Race, said: “It's the first time the swim has taken place in Sandbanks. “People have come from London and the north to take part.”