Saturday's eagerly awaited Tenby to Caldey swim went ahead - but not quite as planned!

Although the sun was attempting to shine on the day, the wind was pretty strong and gusty.

It was also completely the wrong wind - a south-easterly - whipping up the sea in the bay, making any attempt to Caldey impossible. Not even the boats were prepared to go out in it.

Organiser, Bristol businessman, William Davies, was determined that after all the organisation and getting so many swimmers together, they should do something, so they all gathered on the Mayor's slip and arranged that they would swim across the North Bay and back to the slip six times, giving them a total distance of three miles - a little longer than the Caldey route they had planned to take.

The tough sea swimming challenge was in aid of the Alzheimer's Disease in honour of William's mother who is suffering from the illness.

Said William: "It was still quite rough in the bay, with white horses and breaking waves along our chosen route as well as a big swell. And we didn't have the good currents that would have helped us across to Caldey and so swimming was actually harder!

"We had 20 swimmers on the day in total and a very good crowd in the harbour cheering us on every time we came back into view.

"The Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Julie Evans, and Deputy Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Sandra Williams, were both there and we had support from many others lined up along the walls.

"Various friends and family also used the opportunity to rattle a few charity tins and raised an additional £250 for the Alzheimer's Society on the day. Tenby people were very generous."

Later on in the day, the Mayor hosted a lovely reception in the Mayor's Parlour, which was attended by many of the swimmers who had booked to stay in town that night as well as lots of friends and family.

Continued William: "It was very kind of her and all the other councillors who were there and we received a very kind donation from the council of £100 for the cause."

All the swimmers were given certificates, while thanks also went to the support boats and kayaks who also braved the elements.

Added William: "While it was a shame we could not do the Caldey swim as planned, the event proved a great success.

"Everyone enjoyed themselves, we raised more than our target for the Alzheimer's Society and we all feel pleased with the achievement in swimming three miles in such terrible conditions."

William says he is still determined to do the Caldey swim very soon - not on such a large scale or to raise any more money, but just because it's still there!

And he added: "Finally, I'd very much like to thank everyone who was involved in the swim as it was a great day and we raised a great total for the Alzheimer's Society.

"Tenby is such a wonderful place to hold events like this as everyone is so supportive and welcoming so, who knows, we may all be back again next year to do it all again!"