Hardy competitors braved the icy water of Tooting Bec Lido in south London yesterday as part of the Winter Swimming Championships.

It is the first time the event has been held outside Finland. Swimmers can only wear normal costumes or trunks, a hat and a pair of goggles. The 670 contenders battled it out in a series of races and endurance tests. The average temperature in the UK's largest cold-water open-air swimming pool is said to be a refreshing 3C. Swimmers of all abilities were invited and, while most came from Scandinavia, the event also attracted cold-water enthusiasts from China, Australia and Canada.