The outdoor pool at The Strand, Gillingham was a chilly 7°C on Sunday but that didn’t stop 30 brave people from jumping in and going for a swim.

Whether they were raising money for charity or just taking on a personal challenge, all the participants agreed, it was fun but very, very cold.

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

Lianne Everett from Wainscott took the plunge to make her 16th birthday a memorable one.

The Brompton Academy pupil, who turned 16 on Sunday, said: "I'm quite sporty anyway and I wanted a day that I'll remember.

"It was a shock at first but you kind of get used to it. I managed to swim one length."

Andy Gray, 51, from Lordswood took part with his son Scott. It was the first challenge in a series of events he is taking part in this year to raise money for the Wisdom Hospice.

Some participants even enjoyed the chilly swim so much that they are planning on asking Medway Council if the pool, which is normally closed in the winter, can 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.

"It was fantastically well organised and a really great atmosphere."

Victoria the last one out of the water, spending 23 minutes swimming in the pool.

The Extreme Challenge is a new event and part of the Big Splash which takes place at pools across the Towns this coming weekend. For more information about the events next weekend visit www.medway.gov.uk.

For more on Sunday’s challenge see Friday’s Medway Messenger.