An outdoor 'wild' swimming event which attracted almost 400 swimmers to one of Europe's most beautiful beaches is to become an annual event. 

The Bantham 'Swoosh' took place on the river Avon in South Devon where the outgoing tide accelerates swimmers on an adrenalin-filled downstream surge towards the sea.

Bantham Beach has recently been voted the 6th most beautiful in Europe by prestigious global travel experts Lonely Planet. 

Owner Nicholas Johnston, who also owns the Great Tew Estate in Oxfordshire, gave the Outdoor Swimming Society permission to hold the inaugural event and says he is delighted the day went so well. 

“The Bantham Swoosh is just the sort of healthy, active, family orientated event with which I enjoy being associated,” he said. “Lots of people came up to me and said what a happy time they had had and how well organised it was. The impact of 400 people swimming down the estuary is so minimal and yet it gives the opportunity for many people who do not know the River Avon the chance to see it in all its majestic beauty.

"It's wonderful to be able to give so many people access to what is the most astonishing, enchanting natural environment here at Bantham and in the river Avon. This is a wild swim unrivalled in this country and one of the finest on the planet. I'm delighted to be supporting this event and look forward to welcoming them again next year.”

Organisers of the event, the Outdoor Swimming Society, hold 'wild' swims all over the country. The OSS founder, Kate Rew, says of the Bantham 'Swoosh': "We were delighted to have the opportunity to access this amazing environment and to take part in what is, without a doubt, a world-class swim in astonishingly beautiful surroundings. 

“Never before have there been so many people in the water on the Avon and every single one of our swimmers gave incredible, positive feedback. We're looking forward to this becoming an annual event and growing the numbers involved next year.”

For more information on the Outdoor Swimming Society please visit www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com and for more information on Bantham Beach and Estate please go to www.banthamdevon.co.uk