THE ANNUAL Ventnor Boxing Day swim has been cancelled due to a lack of support.

The swim is organised by People's Approach to Cancer Help (PATCH) who said a lack of support from local businesses and sponsorship have forced them to cancel the swim.

Erika Arnold, of PATCH, said: "We are very sad that we have had to do this, but despite the numbers taking part, we aren't raising the amount of sponsorship we would like.

"Out of 300 people taking part last year, only 11 returned sponsor forms."

The swim, which has been going for more than 30 years, sees hundreds of participants brave the cold and take the plunge into the sea on Boxing Day.