THE third Great Wye Swim went off with a splash on Sunday as around 70 people from across the county met up on the banks of the River Wye in Monmouth to take the plunge for charity.

Organised by Monmouth School Sports Club, the annual event raised in the region of £1,000 for the Children’s Society. Swimmers opted for either a two kilometre course, including 500 metres upstream, or a shorter one kilometre downstream course with or without a wetsuit.

Among those jumping in was local MP David Davies, who officially launched the race.

“On behalf of everyone involved, I would like to thank staff at the Sports Club for arranging another fantastic swim,” said Mr Davies.

“The Wye at Monmouth is a beautiful spot and this was a lovely way to cool off on a hot morning, as well as raising money for a worthwhile cause.”

The results were as follows: Two kilometre race: Male wetsuit, Michael Lewis 21 minutes 25 seconds; Female wetsuit, Bethany Kington 23 minutes 26 seconds.

Male non-wetsuit, James Haggerty 23 minutes 37 seconds; Female non-wetsuit, Michelle Hadfield 25 minutes 34 seconds.

One kilometre race: Male wetsuit, Simon Akroyd nine minutes three seconds; Female wetsuit, Emily Lewis nine minutes 39 seconds.

Female non-wetsuit, Jill Berryman 11 minutes 46 seconds. 

For anyone interested in open water swimming, Monmouth Tri Club is hosting an aquathlon on Sunday 24th July. Details can be found at www.monmouthtriclub.co.uk/aquathlon