A WOMAN who is wild about swimming broke the ice on a North Yorkshire lake today (Wednesday) to celebrate 12/12/12 at noon with a chilly challenge.

Pauline Squire is no stranger to icy swimming conditions and trains in Ellerton Lake near Brompton on Swale all year round with her group Wild About Swimming.

She said: “When we got to the lake the air temperature was -2 degrees and the water temperature was -0.5 degrees. 

“The lake was fully frozen over so we had to break the ice – as long as you are safe you can swim all year round.

“We are training for the Chill Swim in Lake Windermere in February so we need the practice of swimming in very cold water – hot drinks and feeding the ducks afterwards are all part of the fun.”

For more information on Wild About Swimming contact Ms Squire on 07946-49823.