A RECORD attempt with a serious message at its heart has had to be cancelled after organisers received a last minute pollution risk alert.

‘The Big Float’ was due to be held on Bank Holiday Monday at Bude Sea Pool.

The event was set to welcome swimmers from across the region to learn one of the RNLI’s most important water safety skills 'Float to Live’, before taking part in a mass floating session in the pool.

The record would have formed part of the town’s fundraising efforts for RNLI Bude Lifeboat Day, with everyone being invited to get involved.

However, the team received word that a storm overflow had breached, making the water unsuitable for swimming.

A Bude Sea Pool spokesperson wrote on Facebook: “Unfortunately we have had a Pollution Risk Alert from storm overflows and the advice is not to swim today.”

Not to be deterred though, the team encouraged those planning to attend the Big Float to look around the town - with plenty on offer during Lifeboat Weekend.

They said: “There are plenty of other events happening today for Lifeboat Day so please head over to Summerleaze, the Wharf and Castle Grounds and support our wonderful Bude RNLI Lifeboat team.”