Sidmouth's annual Boxing Day swim has been cancelled for the second year in a row due to concerns over the recent spread of the Omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus.

Organisers said that they had received advice from professionals and insurers that it would 'not be the responsible action' to hold the event.

They are also asking that people not enter the water on the day as there will be no safety cover.

A spokesperson for the event said on social media: "Following recent developments with the Omicron variant of Covid-19 we have taken advice from professionals and insurers and been advised that it would not be the responsible action to allow the event to proceed.

"Coupled with keeping volunteers safe at this time of year and the almost certain influx of visitors from throughout the country, it is with regret that we are cancelling the Boxing Day swim.

"We strongly request that swimmers do not enter the water as there will not be any safety cover."

The swim was cancelled last year due to similar concerns over providing a Covid-safe environment.

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