A 'hub' for those wanting a therapeutic cold dip in the sea will launch at Dawlish Warren this Sunday (25 June).

All are welcome to join the free event organised by Healthscape, which believes cold water therapy has mental health benefits. The community interest company has other such hubs in Devon, including in Teignmouth.

Healthscape director Peta Howell said: "Healthscape was formed in 2019 by a small group of friends who wanted to improve their mental health.

"Since joining the groups people have returned to employment, been able to come off medication for depression, got the confidence to go back to studying, many have gained the confidence to take lots of personal challenges head on and maybe most importantly they have made friends - and consequently broken in many cases long periods of isolation, particularly since the pandemic.

"The Teignmouth hub is already a regular feature on Teignmouth seafront, with up to 30 people dipping on a Sunday, and smaller groups meeting for sunrise and moonrise dips. It's more and more apparent that Dawlish and Dawlish Warren could benefit from the same joy and laughter that the Teignmouth hub brings to Teignmouth.

"All our dips are fully insured and led by hub leaders qualified in tube rescue and first aid, and supported by some really wonderful, caring volunteers."

The Dawlish Warren hub launches on Sunday (25 June) at 3pm. To take part, meet at the lifeguard hut at the slipway in front of The Boathouse pub. You can register online here.

Healthscape is also looking for new volunteers to help run the new hub.