Bog Snorkelling Championships: Swimmers dive on in
More than 100 swimmers from across the globe braved murky conditions to take part in one of the world's most wacky sporting events – the Bog Snorkelling Championships.
Although for many, the bank holiday weekend is a time to relax, perhaps by catching up with family and friends over a barbecue, or even by doing a spot of DIY, in Llanwrtyd Wells in Mid Wales it's a completely different story.
About 150 competitors from as far afield as Australia and New Zealand donned fancy dress and flippers to swim two lengths of the Waen Rhyd Bog, just outside the town.
This year's champion was Daniel Norman, from Wolverhampton, who finished in one minute 26 seconds, while the female champion was Anna Lohman, who finished third overall, with a time of one minute 33 seconds.
Bob Greenough, one of the organisers from Green Events, said he was delighted with this year's event. He said: "This year was the 31st year of the event and as ever it was a fantastic day, where we really saw it all especially of those who aren't terribly competitive who turn up in fancy dress. We always get a lot of superheroes but this year we also got a man wearing a fake toilet seat made from fibreglass I think.
"We also had belly dancers, mermaids and continuing with the bog theme we saw toilet brushes.
"It's all so ridiculous but hilarious and I think the great thing is people take part and know they won't just look silly because everyone else taking part does."
Mr Greenough also said he was delighted that the event shows the world how beautiful Mid Wales is.
"Those who travel here for the event don't realise just how beautiful this part of the world is but then they see it and they come back which is wonderful because we need people coming to Mid Wales especially as tourism really is our biggest industry," he said.
Llanwrtyd Wells, also hosts a Real Ale Wobble.
