Swimmers take the plunge despite Blackpool's pier event being cancelled due to coronavirus

When it was obvious the real event between Blackpool's north and South Pier could not go ahead, organiser Julie Bradshaw came up with the idea for an online event to tide the swimmers over and said their entries will be carried forward to 2021 when she hope to have the biggest swim ever.

Julie, who has twice swum the English Channel, said: "After consultation with our partners and Blackpool Council, the actual swim had to be postponed until 2021. The safety of the swimmers, our team, Blackpool Beach Patrol and others, was always the most important factor."

So she arranged the event via the online video platform Zoom where entrants had to do 30 minutes continuous activity to help fitness, well-being and mental health.

Entrants had to wear swimwear and water had to be included somehow in the activity, which could be anything provided it was continuous as they would be when swimming in the sea between Blackpool North and South Pier.

Julie, who runs sports motivation business Get set for Success, said: "On the day, the activities ranged from running up and down steps into the sea, to swimming safely in the sea with partner, to a guy on his turbo bike with his daughter throwing cold water over him, which was hilarious to watch!

"Next year will be even more special. Should any swimmer be unable to make the revised date then they will have the option of transferring to 2022

or a refund minus administration costs.

"The revised date will be given after the tide tables are produced and in consultation with the manager of the Blackpool Safety Team."