Even the snow did not stop a brave and slightly mad group of swimmers from taking part in the annual arctic dip.

About 25 members, past and present, of Sheerness Swimming Club and Lifeguard Corps took part in the dip in the sea off Sheerness beach on Sunday.

To become a fully fledged member of The Arctic Club and to receive their badge, members must get their shoulders wet.

Club spokesman Phil Crowder said the temperature of the water had been measured at -3C, and Mr Crowder said it certainly felt that cold.

The youngest member of the club to take part in this year’s arctic dip was eight-year-old Molly Checksfield.

The oldest member to brave the chilly waters was Brian Desborough, 68.

Mr Crowder said: “It was lovely – we had a nice sunny afternoon.

“Some of us older, more foolish ones had a little swim around.

“I’m very pleased with how it went – it’s the most people we have had for a while, and probably the coldest, too.”