In the swim in Ellesmere

Ditching swimming pools for our lakes and rivers is becoming increasing popular.

In Shropshire one organisation has started its weekly swimming in Ellesmere's mere, and attracted almost 60 people on the first night.

The Tuesday outdoor swim is organised by the Trismart club based in the town.

Those who have already swum in the mere this year include all ages from young swimmers from the Ellesmere College Titans club to a regular open water swimmer Peter Norman, now aged 80.

Lizzie Tench, recently returned from the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games where she competed in the paratriathlon, said she was also pleased to be back training in the mere.

She drives from across the border to Ellesmere where she is carried from her wheelchair into the water by fellow swimmers.

"It means I don't have to bum shuffle through the mud," she said.

The club is expanding its activities with Saturday morning cycle rides leaving the mereside at 9.30am.

Club chairman Sarah Thomas said swimmers were able to choose between a 500 metre or 1 mile marked course supported by a safety boat. Those new to the mere are asked to complete the 500 metre course initially.

“We have swimmers who are training for events and those who simply enjoy open water swimming. “With the Shropshire triathlon returning to Ellesmere in September and new distances from supersprint to half Ironman Tuesday evenings are the ideal chance to practice mere swimming."

More information can be found on Trismart ‘s website and Facebook page.