More than 320 novice and professional swimmers are to swim a mile in open water for charity.

Among them will be a swimmer from Devon and a group of lawyers from Exeter.

Carole Whelan, 42, from Rattery near South Brent said she is excited about the challenge in aid of Hospiscare on Saturday.

Meanwhile, five lawyers from Devon law firm Tozers LLP are also taking part in the event at Roadford Lake in Devon.

Natalie Bett, Simon Mansfield and Guy Cartwright are all trainee solicitors at Tozers, joined by paralegals Michelle Beckett and Rebecca Wyld in their bid to raise money.

Ms Whelan said: "I'm really looking forward to it, especially the enjoyment of taking part with so many other swimmers, there should be a fantastic atmosphere on the day.

"I have prepared well. Throughout the summer I've been training, both indoors and out. I've been training and acclimatising in the River Dart on Dartmoor."

Ms Whelan also trains in the pool at Totnes Pavillions, swimming a mile three times a week for the last three weeks.

The Exeter lawyers practised their skills this month on top of the water in canoes – for their firm's summer outing.

Vernon Clarke, partner and head of private client at Tozers, comments: "I am delighted that Tozers is able to support Hospiscare i and I am heartened by the fact that so many of our staff were willing to take part."

Ms Whelan, an art teacher, is putting on a photographic exhibition on beaches in the area next September at Birdwood House Gallery in Totnes.

Hospiscare is a charity supporting thousands of patients and families.

You can support Carole at www.justgiving.com/Carole-Whelan0 and more information can be found at www.onemileswim.co.uk.