AN OPEN water swimming refused to let the recent cold snap deter her and a few brave souls from taking a dip in the River Usk.

Angela Jones has been wild swimming for 30 years and runs the company Run Wild, which allows people to engage in a number of physical activity while being at one with nature.

"Even with the recent cold weather, I have been out pretty much all this week with clients," said Ms Jones, 51.

"I think wild swimming is really good at boosting the immune system and it provides a really good feel good factor.

"It boosts endomorphins and it is really refreshing to get out there and swim in the open water."

Ms Jones added that it is important to prepare people for taking them on an icy plunge.

"My role is to prepare people and to help them train their brain so that they stay calm. Keeping calm is so important when swimming in cold water," she said.

"Even if you jump in the water in summer, it can still take your breath away.

"I feel the more people are encouraged to embrace these type of things, the more active people will become."

For details, go to run-wild.co.uk.