Swimmers from Kendal finally had an opportunity to test their skills in competitive conditions last weekend.

Although their own pool is now open, and they are all back in training, a number decided to take to the open water and compete in the Ullswater Epic Lakes swim held at Glenridding on Sunday.

For once conditions were almost perfect with sunshine, little breeze and the water temperature comfortable for swimming.

And the Kendal contestants performed brilliantly, with confidence and enthusiasm.

Max Ainsworth had a highly satisfactory outing- his first this year- giving a terrific display of power and skill, using all his experience to complete the one-mile category in 26.30.

Powerhouse Elodie Malcolm had a great result in the same category and used all her experience to deal with the conditions and fellow competitors.

Driving her way through the field she outpaced a number of well-known swimmers to take a well-earned 17th place in25.43 for the mile.

Then came the turn of the 500m swimmers which produced some terrific results for Kendal.

Emma Duxbury proved to be outstanding, battling her way through a tough field.

She remained confident and kept well in control of her pace and stroke pattern to finish in 7.49 and achieve fifth place.

Following close behind was teammate Charlotte Stainer, who also paced herself brilliantly and finished in 8.11 to snatch eighth place.

And newcomers Ruby Duxbury and Eleanor King also acquitted themselves well.

Both dealt well with the conditions and learned a lot from competing in the middle of a group of swimmers rather than a single lane.

Ruby got to the finish in a time of 10.41 whilst Eleanor was close behind in a time of 11.14.

The swimmers are now looking forward to their next outing, which will take place in July at Derwentwater.