12:49pm Saturday 12th September 2009
By Ian Boydon
THOUSANDS of people have been plunging into England’s largest lake today as part of the country’s largest open-water swim.
The second annual Great North Swim at Windermere is in full swing with more than 6,000 swimmers expected to complete a one-mile loop within the lake today and tomorrow.
Among the brave souls dipping into the 16.3 degree waters have been Health Secretary Andy Burnham, GMTV’s Dr Hilary Jones and Steve Mcfadden, who plays Phil Mitchell in Eastenders.
The event has been blessed with fine weather and large crowds of well-wishers have gathered at the Low Wood Hotel, the event’s start and finishing point.
Motorists are experiencing short delays on the A591 by the Low Wood.
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