AN old event is to resurface in the town this weekend as the Evesham Mile Bridge to Bridge River Swim takes place for the first time in about 80 years.

The traditional event hasn't been seen in the town since the 1930s and is believed to have always taken place in July.

But it is now set to appear in the town again on Saturday, July 5.

Competitors will swim a circular route beginning and ending at Evesham Rowing Club and taking in both the Workman Bridge and the new Abbey Bridge.

The event is being brought back by two local clubs the recently formed Evesham Vale Triathlete Club and the long standing Tewkesbury Triathlon Club.

Both groups have seen an increase in interest in open water swimming since the Olympics and decided now was the right time to bring back the bridge to bridge event.

During the day swimmers will be competing for a Bell Tower Award and trophies will be awarded to the fastest lady and fastest man.

Fran Webb, who has been trying to reinstate the event for a while, said she was delighted it was going to take place once again.

"This is an opportunity for Evesham," she said. "But it is important to be safe with this. Rivers are dangerous places and we don't want people just jumping into open water to swim. Our event will be monitored by the South Worcestershire Life Saving Club.

"This is an iconic event and that is why we chose the Bell Tower to support, as it is an iconic building. Everyone has had a negative view towards Evesham but people have really come together. What the Bell Tower Appeal has done has brought the community together."

The fun will start at 4pm at Evesham Rowing Club with swimmers warming up and taking to the water in preparation for the race itself which will start at 5pm.

Anyone who would like more information about the club or this event, which is by invitation only, please contact Louise Bugg by emailing louise@birdseyesports.co.uk.