A competitive Sidmouth swimmer had the shock of his life this weekend when he found himself swimming alongside half-a-dozen of the UK's largest jellyfish.

Marcus Bennett was training in the waters off Sidmouth seafront on Saturday, May 11, when he felt something brush against his leg.

The swimmer, who will soon be taking on an epic cross-channel relay swim for charity, reacted calmly and realised that the jellyfish around him were barrel jellyfish and no real threat.

"I felt myself kick something so I reached out for it, after having a closer look I realised I had almost hugged a jellyfish," said Marcus.

"The swim turned into jelly dodging challenge, once I calmed down it was an incredible thing to watch. In the water they are beautiful and majestic and I took some time out just to watch them.

"I had to reassure myself I was at no risk, knowing that I was able to really enjoy the spectacle."

According to the UK's Wildlife Trust these large jellyfish swarm in warmer coastal water in late Spring and can often be found washed up on beaches in May or June.

They are often referred to as Dustbin-lid Jellyfish, due to their size. They come inshore to feed on plankton blooms.

They have eight frilly arms, these frills contain their stinging tentacles which surround hundreds of little mouths.

Yesterday's swim was part of Marcus' preparation for a cross-channel relay swim to raise money for charity.

Marcus and his fellow relay team members will soon endure the cold waters of the English Channel during spring tide, when currents will be at their strongest, making a difficult task even tougher.

He is an accomplished swimmer, who sea swims all year round and can often be spotted swimming just off the coast of Sidmouth.

Marcus has taken part in a number of Open Water competitive events including the River Dart 10k, Lyme Bay and Sidmouth.

Trish Mansell is heading up the relay team, which will consist of herself, Captain James Wadsworth, Lucas Tompkins, Marcus Bennett, Dave Jarman and Chris Macneill.

Their swim number is CSA2019/265 and they will be piloted by Stuart Gleeson in his boat Sea Leopard.

The relay swim will take place between September 6 and 12, just before a solo swim by Gloucester-based swimmer Kevin Proctor.

The event is backed by Zone3, Europe's award-winning triathlon kit brand.

Both swims are recognised by the Channel Swimming Association (CSA) and supporters will be able to track the progress of them, live through the CSA website.

Together, the solo and relay swims aim to raise £50,000 for the Felix Fund, a charity which helps bomb disposal experts and their dependents by providing welfare and financial support.

The swim is just one of various Captain James Wadsworth Challenges, in which participants push themselves to their limits by swimming, cycling and running in endurance events.

To find out more about the challenge and to donate click the big red button below.