AROUND 450 swimmers took to the water this morning (Sunday) for this year's RNLI Castle to Castle Swim across the Carrick Roads.

They went head-to-head in the open water contest spanning between Pendennis and St Mawes castles.

This year's swim was the biggest ever, with capacity nearly doubling from last year's 280 swimmers.

Participants were asked to raise a minimum in £50 in sponsorship for the RNLI.

The first ever Castle to Castle was held in 2008, making this year's race the 11th.

Trained lifeguards volunteered to surround the swimmers' route on paddleboards, kayaks and motorised boats to keep the swimmers safe.