A group of amateur swimmers from across Dorset’s coastline are teaming up to attempt to cross the English Channel for charity.

The four-person team who call themselves the Dorset Full Monties swimming group features Emma Bourne, Jane Hallett, 58, and Romla Walker, 54,from Bridport, Mary Bird, 42, from Portland, with Helen Caffrey, 52, from Weymouth providing support from the boat.

Speaking ahead of the challenge, Mary said: “It’s really exciting- there has been quite a lot of preparation behind it since we created the group 18 months ago."

Describing the meaning behind the group's name, Mary said: "We're all ladies from Dorset, and we're a bit of a shambles like those in the film the Full Monty, as they gained success despite not knowing what they were doing, and we're bumbling along and not athletes at all but we are taking on this challenge."

Talking about the team's preparation, Mary said: "I’ve swam in the sea every day as part of my warm-up training- rain, snow, ice and all to prepare which has been amazing, but hard work, sometimes forcing myself to go for a dip every night.

Mary Bird and Helen CaffreyMary Bird and Helen Caffrey (Image: Dorset Full Monties)

“We are all very determined to do this, we just have to believe. Our mentality as a team is so great that when one member completes a personal milestone, it acts as a boost for the whole team.

“There were issues in the sea with sewage overflows, meaning we had to change some of our routines- but it’s really beneficial to mental health.

“We’ve taken on different challenges over the last year so we could overcome swimming in darkness, as well as deep water.”

The team will take to the water in Dover for the 22-mile challenge on July 27- in preparation of being called to swim between July 29 to August 3. Mary said she is aiming for the group to make the trip in 16 hours.

She said: “When we get there it’s a right old gamble of when we could go, some people call it the Dover Coaster, as you’re just waiting for the all clear to get in the water. If the weather is bad it could affect the swim.

“We’re definitely upbeat for now, but a bit panicky as we get closer to the day.”

In the run up to the swim, Mary says the team will be dropped off two kilometres out in West Bay at night to prepare for any challenge.

After contracting sepsis, Helen was ruled out of the swim, but will still be attending the crossing as a member of the boat, and has been raising funds for the charity Blunt Truth, who educate children about the dangers of knife crime after her cousin Charlie Bates was fatally stabbed in Bristol.

Mary will be raising funds for Mosaic, the charity helping bereaved children in Dorset.

Emma is raising money for the RNLI in the swim, whilst Jane will be fundraising for the Axminster and Lyme Regis cancer support group, whilst Romla is collecting for James’ Place, a charity that provides a safe space for suicidal men.

The cost of the boat and equipment has been sponsored by Horwich, Cohen and Coghlan solicitors, with the group looking to raise more than £6,000 across their selected charities.

To contribute to the fundraising campaign and follow the Montie's Channel adventure, visit their Facebook page on https://shorturl.at/sE8Bl.