A BRAVE swimmer says he is determined to complete an astonishing 100-mile open water swim from Clacton to the Netherlands.

Nico Tobias, 48, of Beach Road, Clacton, wants to set off from the town’s pier and cross the North Sea – if he can find a sponsor to help him.

It is his dream to reach the Holland coast – 100 miles from Clacton.

He was originally hoping to complete the swim unassisted, but now admits he will need breaks along the way after discovering the size of the task.

Nico said: “I only moved to Clacton a week ago and since then I’ve been looking out across the sea and thinking ‘I have to conquer this’.

“People might look at it and think it’s crazy, but I wouldn’t even consider this if I didn’t think it was something I could realistically achieve.

“I’ve been in the water most of my life. I’m a strong swimmer and I know I can do it. I’m determined and I’m going to give it everything.”

Nico plans to take on the challenge in the summer, once the water has warmed up.

He is already set to start training to make sure he is in top shape, but needs help to make the daunting swim possible.

He added: “I haven’t got much in the way of funds and I would need a sponsor to help me do this properly.

“I’ll need a wetsuit and someone following me in a boat tomake sure everything goes all right and give me a place to rest when I need to."

Anyone who can help sponsor the bid or provide boat support can call Nico on 07913 121175.