Queen of the Channel joins sea festival

Alison, who has swum the Channel 40 times, will be joined by King of the Channel Kevin Murphy who has completed the gruelling challenge a mere 32 times!

Both will compete with other long distance swimmers in a three-mile water race from Southease Bridge to the Newhaven Lifeboat station.

Alison said: 'We are delighted to be part of the maritime festival and to take part in the celebrations on the 200th anniversary of Newhaven's Lifeboat.

'A few years ago I had a great time when I swam at the Seahaven Pool at Newhaven with children from Southern Water's Learn to Swim Scheme. The water will be a lot colder in the river but at least it won't be as rough as the Channel.'

The race will start at 10am on May 26. People will be able to watch the swimmers' progress along parts of the river bank and from the swing bridge and West Quay.

The Seahaven Maritime Festival is planned to feature 40 events including a parade of historic lifeboats, air-sea rescue displays and Coastguard, windsurfing, jetski and scuba diving demonstrations.

The week of events will climax with the Newhaven Lifeboat fete on May 31.