Hundreds brave the 2013 Cheltenham Lido Christmas Swim

See Clouchestershire Echo

With temperatures around to around 3C (37.4F), more than 250 swimmers stripped down to brave the freezing pool.

The water registered at 6.5C (43.7F), surprising colder than last year’s 7C (44.6F) considering the clear skies and sunny weather.

Famous names took to the pool, including Gloucester Rugby’s Dan Murphy and Cheltenham mayor Wendy Flynn.

The mayor was raising money for three charities, including Hester’s Way Neighbourhood Project, Victim Support and Cheltenham Animal Shelter.

She said: “It’s freezing, I don’t think I will be doing that again next year.