Tomorrow’s Great East Swim which would have seen thousands of people raise money for charity has been postponed.

The decision was taken this morning as the weather forecast for the weekend predicts rain showers and strong gusting winds over Saturday and Sunday.

The organisers have said strong winds would have affected the ability of the safety kayakers to operate and also may make swimming conditions extremely challenging at Alton Water Country Park, near Ipswich.

Details of how to claim a refund will be sent to entrants next week.

A spokeswoman for the event said: “We are extremely sorry to postpone the event and fully understand the inconvenience this will cause, but the safety and well-being of participants is always our number one priority.”

Further information is available at the Great Swim website www.greatswim.org