Noel Coward said that only "Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun". But on the Serpentine Lake in Hyde Park, London, on Christmas morning mad Englishmen and women plus the odd overseas visitor went swimming in freezing temperatures. And they claim they do it for fun.

They were competing in probably the oldest swimming competition in the world, the Peter Pan Swimming Cup. Held every year on a very cold stretch of water in a London Park.

One of the brave competitors in action

The competition was founded by 'Peter Pan' author, JM Barrie in 1864. He sponsored the event and presented the first trophy.

This years winner was Gordon Brodie from Ruislip who stormed through the icy water to claim the famous title. He was overjoyed, not only with winning but also taking part in this famous event.

"I can't believe it, I do this every year and every year I say never again but I always come back for more ... winning is the icing on my Christmas cake"

The race is organised on a handicapping system where the less able swimmers get a head start on the rest of the field. Gordon who started in the middle of the field made short work of the 100 yard course and finished a body-length ahead of the nearest competitor.

Hot showers to warm the heart and cure the goose-bumps

The race handicapper and judge, Frank Sims, said he was very pleased with the turn-out with over 60 swimmers taking the icy plunge in the early morning mist of central London.

"It was a super day ... a very mild for the time of year ... and remember you can swim here every day of the year. But it's much better in winter"

The temperature was a bracing 43 degrees Fahrenheit and the competitors enjoyed a warm shower at the end of the race. It was essential - the goose bumps on some of the Hyde Park faithful were starting to get alarmingly large!.

One of the overseas competitors, Phil Moses from New York had only been in England for four days was told about the event by a friend a said he "just had to take part".

"I seemed like a really cool idea ... I just didn't know exactly how cool it would be !"

When asked if he would be making the pilgrimage to the event next year he said he would think about it.

"Maybe I'll come back ... maybe I'll start my own race in Central Park, now there's an idea."

On the way to the icy water

The oldest competitor in the race was the Serpentine Swimming Club President, Cyril Wood. At 74 he certainly is not a spring-chicken but he cut a dash in his lycra trunks and finished the event creditably in the middle of the field.

The crowd who watched the race started to assemble well before the start time of 9.00AM and were delighted to see the brave competitors.

Barbara Hurst, who had come from Brighton said she thought watching the event was "a great British occasion but I wouldn't do it myself."

Eccentric ?

The event will be taking place again next year and Andrew Fuller who came from Southampton to take part will be there again.

"This is my 11th time in a row, I must be mad but when you start doing something like this you can't stop."

At the end of the competition the swimmers had a prize giving ceremony and the crowd gave them all a huge round of applause.

As the swimmers left the park on their way to well deserved Christmas lunches one man asked a gentleman of considerable age if he would be back next year.

"Of course I will - I may be old but I'm not that bloody old."

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