BBC Radio Solent prepares for Children in Need swim

Michael Coombes said the key to success was a good breakfast

Five members of staff from BBC Radio Solent are among teams across the country taking on a swimming challenge for Children in Need.

Groups from BBC radio stations across the UK will take part in The Thousand Mile Challenge with each station attempting to cover 24 miles (38.6km).

Breakfast newsreader and team member Michael Coombes said he swam as a child but only picked it up again in July, when he was out of breath after 10 lengths.

He is now able to swim a mile in an hour, and said: "Bring on the challenge."

Mr Coombes said he thinks the key to success will be having a "good hearty breakfast" on the morning of the challenge, and pacing himself.

"You know what they say about the tortoise and the hare? I think I'm going to be the tortoise," he said.

"It's Children in Need so if we can raise some money and then help make a difference then that's all that matters."

Edward Sault admitted he was "quite competitive"

BBC South Today presenter Edward Sault said he was a keen swimmer but felt "more pressure" with the challenge because it was for Children in Need.

"I'm a little bit daunted because all the other [swims] I've done on my own terms, in my own time and I've trained for it," he said.

He also admitted to being "quite competitive", and said he was aiming to swim eight miles.

"That is my personal best," he said.

"So if I could meet that or even better it, I'll be happy."

Apprentice Saffron Finch also said the challenge was "daunting"

Apprentice Saffron Finch also said the challenge was "daunting" despite being an artistic swimmer.

She said she wanted to join the challenge for the "sense of achievement" of hitting a team target, but that it was different to the kind of swimming she was used to doing.

But, either way, she said being in water was "therapy" for her.

"I just feel at peace when I'm in the pool," she said.

The full team is Mr Coombes, Mr Sault, Ms Finch, breakfast show presenter Steve Harris and afternoon presenter Lucy Ambache.

To find out more, head to bbc.co.uk/swim.