2009 proves a n-ice one!

Preparations first: Tony Ashton breaks ice before the gang jumps in

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IT was tough-going when a group of Royton Bluefins Icebreakers dipped into the water to welcome in the New Year.

Members of the group plunged into the chilly Redbrook Reservoir, Standedge, for their annual trophy contest.

And even the water’s freezing temperatures of -1°C couldn’t stop these long-distance and endurance swimmers getting involved.

The swimmers included Enrique Flores who has raised thousands of pounds for charities in his home country of Mexico — including by swimming the English Channel — and who was awarded the club’s 2008 Ice Breaker trophy. This year’s winner was Ian Casey (44).

Man behind the Bluefins George Meynell said: “It was really hard because we had to break the ice — something we’ve not done for a while. We do this every year for Dr Kershaw’s hospice and we’ve raised £40.

“But this could be the last New Year swim as we have had problems with sponsorship now I’ve left work.”