Radio teams take on Children in Need swim challenge

BBC Radio Sussex's Will Flockton is taking part in the challenge

Local BBC radio teams in the South East are set to take on a combined 48-mile swim to raise money for Children in Need.

The Kent, Surrey and Sussex teams will begin their attempt as part of a national challenge on Monday and they are hoping to finish on Friday.

The Kent team is set to start at The Weald Leisure Centre in Cranbrook, while the Sussex and Surrey teams efforts will be spread out across their counties.

BBC Radio Sussex's Will Flockton said: “When I heard about the challenge I thought it was going to be a breeze as a strong swimmer in my younger days, but boy, 50 metres is a long way when you start doing it!"

Mr Flockton added: "I'm really looking forward to doing a mile every day though.

"It’s really quite relaxing and therapeutic, serenely swimming away.”

BBC radio stations across the UK will collectively swim 1,000 miles as part of the challenge.

Sophia Atkins, from BBC Radio Surrey, said she was "nervous for the challenge but very excited".

"I’m sure I’m going to get quite tired as the week goes on, but it will be a good excuse to eat a little extra chocolate!"

Adam Dowling had his first swimming lesson in more than 30 years

BBC Radio Kent's Adam Dowling is also taking part in the challenge despite the fact he cannot swim.

He had his first swimming lesson in more than 30 years in the run up to the challenge as he learned how to do the breaststroke.

The presenter is planning to swim 25 metres as part of the fundraising efforts.

The Thousand Mile Challenge is being supported by former Team GB swimmers Rebecca Adlington and Mark Foster.