2,000 swimmers dived into Alton Water in Suffolk for the 2015 Great East Swim

Swimmers plunge into Alton Water, Suffolk. Credit: ITV Anglia

2000 swimmers donned wetsuits and goggles for the 2015 Great East Swim at Alton Water reservoir near Ipswich today. The number of participants has doubled since the outdoor swimming event began in 2009.

Among those swimming today were Suffolk soprano and Sport Aid ambassador, Laura Wright and former international cricketer, Matthew Hoggard, who was raising money for 'Cricket without boundaries'.

Swimmers of all ages and abilities set off in twelve ‘waves’ throughout the day, from 8am, completing half mile, one mile, two mile and five kilometre distances in the open water whilst raising money for a range of charities and achieving personal fitness goals.