If you saw our photos of the extreme challenge at The Strand last month and were tempted to give it a go next year, well now you do not have to wait.

Following the success of the event, which saw more than 30 people jumping in to the outdoor pool in Gillingham to go for a swim, the pool will now be open every Saturday morning.

A council spokesman said: “Winter swimming sessions at The Strand started last week on a trial basis. We are thrilled that the event has inspired more people to take the plunge and keep fit by swimming.”

Participants of the extreme challenge asked the council if the pool, which is normally closed in the winter, could be open all year round.

One such swimmer was 39-year-old Victoria Hill, from Rainham, who travels to Folkestone to swim in the sea with her club The Blue Tits.

She said: “It’s really exciting to think that we could be able to swim here all year and use the facilities. There are so many people who would use it.”

The pool temperature was a chilly 7°C last month and as the pool is not heated, it is not going to warm up anytime soon.

Even the sea at this time of year is warmer than the pool, at about 10°C, while the pool at Medway Park leisure centre is a balmy 27°C.

• The new sessions are for over 16s and will run every Saturday from 10.30am to 11.30am and cost £4.70 per session.