A bakers’ dozen of hardy Teignmouth swimmers took part in the inaugural Exmoor Open Water 4k and 2k swims, in the beautiful surroundings of Wimbleball Lake, Somerset.

They joined more than 400 other participants to raise funds for the Pickwell Foundation and Children’s Hospice South West. The water temperature was reasonable at 16 Celsius and the weather was kind, though dull and overcast with a slight breeze ruffling the water.

In the 2k event, in a field of 131, Zoe Moore came ashore in 31st place overall, in a time of 39.32, gaining fifth position in the F20-39 age-group, while Maggie Gilpin finished in 49.39, placed 86th and sixth in the F60-69 age group.

Meanwhile, in the 4k distance Kim Webber-Marks had a great swim, completing the circuit of the lake in 58.33 and achieving 15th position overall, second female and second place in the F20-39 age group.

Among the 306 finishers, those following Webber-Marks in the Teignmouth contingent were Paul Vowden (1.06.07), Kathy Mayhew (1.07.11), Glen Mayhew (1.09.11) Gordon Ball (1.14.57), Nicky Quant (1.16.10), Rona Boyne (1.18.36), Keith Anderson (1.19.36), Penny Aitchison (1.20.55), Kim Hawkins (1.23.52) and Natasha Waggett (1.26.55).

The date for next year’s event is already set – Saturday, September 29.