Swimmers will gather in Falmouth this weekend for the "Chilly Chilli Dip" to raise money for Ukraine.

Swimmers around the country are being asked to come together in groups and to have a dip, followed by a dish of chilli, in return for a donation to the Ukraine crisis.

Participants can choose their preferred time and venue, taking their chilli to the beach, lake, or riverside in flasks, warmed up on-site or enjoyed back at an organiser's house after their dip.

The Red Cross has been suggested as the preferred charity for donations, with participants being asked to donate directly, or alternatively to other charities of their choice.

Although the campaign was set up a few days ago, it is already gathering momentum, with dips already taking place in Cornish waters and Scottish lochs.

A large gathering at Falmouth's Gyllynvase Beach is being planned at 12pm on Sunday 20th March, with a number of swimming groups coming together for a mass Chilly Chilli Dip on the beach. Hotel resort St Michaels is offering free chilli to its members for donations and Gylly Beach Cafe has plans for its own contribution.

Gylly cafe has pledged to match all food AND drink sales from the takeaway only for those participating in the swim. This means when you pay for your food and drink - the cafe will donate the equivalent amount to the Red Cross.

Organiser Kathy Drake, a keen Cornish sea swimmer, added:

"During our daily swim in the sea, someone asked what we could do to help the people in Ukraine and we came come up with the idea of the Chilly Chilli Dip.

"It's simply a gathering of swimmers to have a swim or dip, eat chilli and make a personal donation to the Red Cross. A bit like the McMillan Coffee Morning concept. It's our way of coming together, doing something we love, talking about what is happening, and giving what we can to try and help.

"We've put together a pack so swimmers can organise their own event and we are hoping that if the idea catches on lots of people can spread the word and make this a nationwide event."

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