WEYMOUTH and Portland Mayor David Harris has joined forces with the British Heart Foundation to launch this year's Hearts First Weymouth Bay Swim.

Mr Harris joined Weymouth and Portland council's Steve Davies, event organiser Andy Coles and BHF branch members Mary Watson and Peter Rendall when they donned their snorkels, flippers and swimming hats to encourage local people to sign up for the one-mile offshore swim along the sandy shores of Weymouth Bay on August 10.

The swim is open to everyone and last year more than 300 people took part, helping raise more than £11,500.

Organisers want to make this year's event even bigger and better and local BHF branch chairman Mary Watson said: "I would like to encourage as many people as possible to take part in the swim because across the UK almost 600 sons, daughters, mothers, fathers and friends lose their lives to heart and circulatory disease every day.

"The charity is committed to preventing lives being devastated by the disease and its research has helped save many lives but it needs ongoing support."

Mr Coles said: "People of all ages can be victims of heart disease. By keeping fit and leading a healthy lifestyle you can protect your heart, so why not join more than 300 others in this fantastic swim?

"Encourage your family, friends and colleagues at work to enter a team, or simply challenge yourself! We look forward to seeing you down there."

Advance entry to the Hearts First Weymouth Bay Swim costs £10 for adults and £5 for accompanied under-16s.

Registration is possible on the day but at the full price of £15 for adults and £5 for accompanied under-16s.

Those who want to register should call 0800 652 5818, email swestevents@bhf.org.uk or register online at bhf.org.uk/weymouthbay