TOWIE star Ferne McCann is set to take the plunge in an open water challenge in Loch Lomond this weekend.

Ferne - currently a presenter on ITV's This Morning – will be joining around 2,400 swimmers for the Great Swim on August 27.

Taking place in the picturesque surrounding of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, the event will welcome participants of all ages and abilities as they take on a range of distances; from the beginners half-mile, up to the 10k challenge.

As Great Swim ambassador, 26-year-old Ferne took part in the Manchester leg in July and now can't wait to dive into the Loch and improve her time.

The event – which will include a number of different challenges this year – is being staged at the Loch Lomond iconic venue for the third time.

Mairi Bell, Head of Visitor Experience at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park said: “We’re delighted to be hosting the Great Scottish Swim again and can’t wait to welcome Ferne and all the open water swimmers to the National Park. Loch Lomond really does provide the perfect backdrop to take the plunge.”

Ferne said: “I was really apprehensive about my first open water swimming event but I absolutely loved it! It’s an amazing experience; everyone should give it a go.

“The Great Swim events have a brilliant atmosphere and really are for everyone, no matter what your level of fitness.

“My first swim was down in Salford Quays, so this one will be quite different, I can’t wait to get up to Scotland and experience open water swimming against the incredible back drop of Loch Lomond.”

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “Loch Lomond has proven itself to be the perfect stage for open water swimming during previous editions of the Great Scottish Swim and I’m sure Ferne is going to enjoy every minute of it. We delighted to be supporting the event once again.”

For more information or to enter visit greatswim.org/Scotland.