HUNDREDS of people took to the open water on a perfect summer's evening as part of the first Pier to Pier Sunset Swim in Bournemouth.

The event, which was in aid of the British Heart Foundation, saw swimmers dash into the sea and complete the 1.4-mile challenge on Saturday.

The Pier to Pier Swim has become an established event in the town, however, the new evening addition proved extremely popular and was greeted to sunshine along the south coast.

Entrants set off from Bournemouth Pier, swimming east to Boscombe Pier.

After completing the course, the athletes could sit back, relax and watch the sun set in the distance.

The traditional Pier to Pier Swim takes place today.