It was a beautiful morning for a refreshing dip in the sea – and Robin Buchanan had a particularly good reason to enjoy it.

Throughout the freezing winter months and this year's still-chilly spring, he's been taking an early-morning dip at least once a week, to raise money for the community charity Assist Teignbridge.

He started his challenge on November 1, 2020, and took to the water for his final swim at 10am on Friday, April 30 – in warm spring sunshine, and with a crowd of supporters cheering him on from the shore.

Because the conditions were so lovely, he stayed in the water for about 10 minutes, before coming out and being presented with a jokey certificate and silver cup – while still in his swimming gear.

Robin, who recently celebrated his 73rd birthday, said he hopes his achievement will encourage more people in his age group to become more active – and said he certainly plans to carry on with his regular swims now that the fundraising challenge is finished.

He said: "It's quite addictive. I do firmly believe in its well-being benefits and, yes, I therefore do plan to continue and, with the warming weather, do this at least once a week from Coryton Cove.

"When you challenge yourself physically in any way with a purpose, this improves, amongst other things, your stamina and positivity. And this happens regardless of your age or sex! "

Robin's swimming challenge began as a sweepstake, with fellow members of Dawlish Rotary invited to bet on how many swims he would manage to complete, in view of the weather and sea conditions.

But he also started a Virgin Giving page, and other donations began coming in directly to Assist Teignbridge.

He has so far raised £1,100, and, although the swimming challenge has now finished, supporters can still donate. Visit the Assist Teignbridge website and click on the Donate button at the top right-hand of the page.