Tenby's famous Boxing Day Swim is celebrating its 40th birthday by splashing out to help a top Welsh charity.

This year's Big Red Swim - named in tribute to its 'ruby' anniversary - will be focusing on fundraising for Ty Hafan

For over 10 years, Ty Hafan has helped life-limited children, young people and their families make the most of the time they have left together.

It is also the chosen charity of Tenby's Mayor, Clr. Mrs, Julie Evans, who is leading the way on the Big Red Swim's JustGiving site with a donation of £100.

Said Clr. Mrs. Evans: "This year's swim promises to be the best ever and I am delighted that its organiser, the Tenby Sea Swimming Association, has chosen to support Ty Hafan as its main charity ."

TSSA chairman Chris Osborne, whose family has been involved with the swim since it began, is marking the event's Big Red birthday by joining the swimmers in the water.

"This is the first time in 20 years I've been in the sea in the winter, but I've decided to make an exception this year as it's a special occasion," he admitted.

He is currently recruiting followers of the swim on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/redswim">www.twitter.com/redswim, while 'Red Swim' on Facebook is signing up new friends daily.

"We're also very pleased to welcome on board three local businesses - Celvac Environmental, Trefloyne Manor and Jago - who are joining FBM Holidays as swim sponsors," said Chris.

Last year, over 500 swimmers helped to raise nearly £11,000 for charities and good causes to take the total collected over the years up to around £200,000.

This year's brave birthday bathers will also be able to collect for their own charities, with special donations being made by TSSA to organisations including the RNLI and St. John Ambulance in thanks for their continuing support.

The Big Red Swim takes place on Boxing Day, December 26, at the North Beach, Tenby.

The fun gets underway at 11 am with a crazy raft race, canoe and dinghy races, lifeboat launch and red-themed fancy dress parade.

Swimmers take to the water at 11.30 am and are presented with commemorative medals around a blazing bonfire.

For more information and to download a sponsor form, visit http://www.tenbyboxingdayswim.co.uk">www.tenbyboxingdayswim.co.uk.