The pioneering shoal of Caldey-Tenby swimmers has splashed out with a £3,440 donation to the RNLI.

Forty-seven intrepid dippers struck out on the 2.5-mile course from the monastic isle to the mainland at the start of last month in the largest-ever mass swim between the two points.

The event was organised by the Tenby Sea Swimming Association (TSSA), which also stages the resort's legendary Boxing Day Swim.

Every swimmer completed the course, with local triathlete Olly Simon leading the field to cruise home in 49 minutes.

The total raised - from the swimmers' entry fees, their sponsorship and a beach bucket collection - was an 'excellent result', said TSSA chairman Chris Osborne.

He added: "Thanks must go to all the people who helped make this happen, and particularly the Abbot, Father Daniel, and his colleagues on Caldey, who kindly allowed us to start the swim from Priory Beach.

"The total raised of £3,440 sets a sound base from which we hope to develop the Caldey-Tenby Swim.

"We have already earmarked Sunday, July 20, for next year, when we hope to increase the number of swimmers, and our sponsors - Princes Gate Spring Water, McCarthy and Stone and Big Brum's - have indicated they're happy to stay with us.

"Let's hope we can generate the same enthusiastic response from participants and their sponsorship in our forthcoming Boxing Day Swim."