West Cornwall's keen sportspeople and enthusiastic amateurs are being invited to take part in two unique and challenging events in aid of the RNLI this summer.

The charity which saves lives at sea will be holding two sporting fundraisers which make the most of the county's stunning landscape this year, in the form of a 52 mile bike ride or a one and a half mile sea swim.

On Sunday July 12 the St Ives sportive returns for a second year, and after a successful inaugural event last year organisers hope even more people will get involved and show their support to the charity.

Cyclists will visit three lifeboat stations, following the coast around the beautiful west Cornwall peninsula, heading west out of St Ives towards Sennen Cove Lifeboat Station, around Lands End towards the south coast and Penlee Lifeboat Station, and back up to the north coast to finish at St Ives Lifeboat Station.

New for 2015 is a shorter route of approximately 34 miles, ideal for people new to sportives or those who don’t want to tackle the longer route.

If swimming is more your thing the charity is launching a new one-and-a-half mile ‘Around the Mount’ swim at the iconic St Michael’s Mount on Saturday September 5.

Up to 250 swimmers are expected to follow a route around the mount, starting at 10am on the high tide from the causeway, and they will be kept safe in the water as RNLI lifeguards and volunteers from Penlee RNLI will be providing safety cover.

The swim can be challenging so participants should have experience at swimming in open water, and must be over the age of 14.  

Guy Botterill, RNLI community fundraising manager, said: "Sporting events have grown massively in popularity in recent years and particularly here in Cornwall, which is hardly surprising given the beautiful coastline and scenery the county has to offer. Fitness is an important part of the RNLI and particularly for our lifeguards who have to pass a fitness test every month to ensure they can respond to demanding situations on the beaches where time is often of the essence.

"The RNLI has continued to expand on the events it offers and this year we’re delighted to add another to our selection with the Round the Mount swim. Whether you’re an experienced swimmer or cyclist, or looking for a suitable challenge to train and aim towards, we have something for everybody with the added incentive that by taking part you are helping to save lives at sea.

"If you don’t want to take part but are keen to help there are plenty of volunteering opportunities available, for more information contact me on 07774 436265."

Money raised at both events will go towards Penlee RNLI’s fundraising appeal to raise £200,000 towards the cost of building a new lifeboat station. The new station will replace the current 32-year-old building which is no longer fit for purpose, and will provide much needed space and modern facilities for the volunteers, as well as better access for members of the public.

Registration for both events is £10 and it’s asked that people raise a minimum of £50 sponsorship if possible.

For information on the sportive and to enter visit the event page here, and for information on the swim and to enter visit the event page here.