Thousands of swimmers have been left disappointed again after this year's Great East Swim was postponed due to the return of the blue green algae at Alton Water.

Organisers today contacted all the participants giving them the bad news after the toxic algae had risen to unacceptable levels during the recent warm spell but the good news is it has been reschedule for later in the year.

Swimmers have been told the event has been rearranged for September 25 at the same venue, as organisers look to get the hugely popular charity swim in full flow, after it had to be cancelled last year to to the pandemic restrictions.

A spokesperson for the Great East Swim said: "We are really sorry that due to elevated, and potentially toxic, levels of blue-green algae currently forming in Alton Water, we can no longer safely hold this event as planned on Saturday 19 June.

"We are sure, like us, our swimmers are disappointed about this news, and after almost two years of no Great East Swim events we are hugely disappointed that we have had to do this.

"However, safety is paramount to us, and as the naturally occurring bacteria can be toxic if ingested, it has been deemed unsafe for swimmers by our water testing officials.

"This event is not cancelled, it has been postponed to Saturday 25 September 2021. Entries will be automatically rolled over to the new date, however, if you are unable to take part on this date you will be offered a refund."

The blue-green algae has been the scourge of Alton Water over th past few years, hitting water sports and forcing the closure of the inflatable water assault course.