SEVERAL hundreds of pounds have been raised for a Royal Marine charity when scores of Exmouth Christmas Day swim spectators were served mulled wine.

SEVERAL hundreds of pounds have been raised for a Royal Marine charity when scores of Exmouth Christmas Day swim spectators were served mulled wine.

Former Royal Marines John Hogan and Mick Richardson came up with the idea of serving hot toddies during the swim as a way of raising cash for the Royal Marines Benevolent Fund.

The pair, who are the directors of Peninsula Marquee Hire, based in Exmouth, set up a marquee at 7am on Christmas morning in the grounds of Elizabeth Hall.

The former marines said they hope to repeat the idea during the 2010 swim.

A spokesperson for the Mr Hogan and Mr Richardson said: "Thanks to the generosity and good will of the people of Exmouth and everyone who attended the swim, the sum of �500 was raised in just over an hour.

"The plan was to give away free mulled wine during the swim in return for a donation to the Royal Marines' charity.

"Mick Todd, the owner of The Exmouth Arms who is also a former Royal Marine, helped with procuring the wine for the event."

The former marines said they wanted to thank everyone for their support during the swim - Jim Gow and Jackson Login, who gave up their Christmas morning to help erect the marquee, Andy Greasley, who made the mulled wine and the district council for the use of Elizabeth Hall car park.