A total of 75 swimmers swam the Cumbrae to Largs channel on Saturday and flew the flag for the Gillian Saltire Appeal.

The distance may not match the English channel but for many it is a huge challenge requiring physical fitness, and great courage, to overcome the Clyde challenge.

This is the largest number of entrants in the eight year history of this event and with dark salty waters reaching 40 metres deep, Lion Mane jellyfish and other sea creatures lurking, it is along way from the participants’ comfort zone.

Raising money to support the seafront apartment in Largs which provides respite for families supporting relatives with cancer is a worthy reason to take the plunge and swim the one and a half miles across from the island back to the safety of the mainland.

The first person to complete this was Mark Deans, in just 30.08 minutes.

Full line up and results in this week's Largs News.