Billy Monger takes part in Hyde Park swim festival

Billy Monger's legs were amputated after he was involved in a near-fatal crash while racing at Donington Park in 2017

Former racing driver and TV star Billy Monger has taken part in an open water swimming festival with thousands of others in central London.

Monger, whose legs were amputated following a crash at Donington Park in 2017, hailed Swim Serpentine at Hyde Park a "really cool thing to be a part of".

The 26-year-old from Charlwood, in Surrey - one of 5,000 participants in the event - has set his sights on competing at the Los Angeles Paralympic Games in 2028.

After his swim, he said it was "nice to do an event where there is such a good atmosphere".

He added: "As much as it is training and it serves a purpose, it is doing something where everyone has a smile on their face and is happy and excited to go out there."

Broadcaster Ayo Akinwolere also took part in the event which has seen participants take on a variety of distances - half a mile, one mile, two miles or six miles.

Last October, Monger broke an Ironman record at the World Championship in Kona, Hawaii.

In 2021, he raised £3m for Comic Relief with Billy's Big Challenge, when he walked, cycled and kayaked across England.

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.