AN Olympic swimmer has urged people to sign up to take part in this year’s Great East Swim.

The annual event was launched in Suffolk yesterday by Steve Parry, a medalist at the Athens games in 2004.

The butterfly expert was at Waldringfield Yacht Club, near Woodbridge, to promote the event which will be held at Alton Water on June 22.

Among those at the launch, and keen to get some training advice from Steve, were members of Suffolk’s emergency services who will be competing against each other in this year’s team challenge.

Chief Fire Officer Andy Fry is heading up a team from Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and will be taking on teams from both Suffolk Police and the East Anglian Ambulance Service.

Swimmers will be raising money for a range of good causes. Mr Parry said: “It’s a beautiful part of the world and it’s a great place to go for a swim in the open water.”

Participants can choose from half-mile, one-mile, two-mile and 5km courses.

Event director Alex Jackson said: “We always have a great reaction from the swimmers and people of Suffolk, and we hope with the continuing support of our partners Suffolk County Council, the event will continue to grow from strength to strength.”

To enter, visit www.greatswim.org/east