​Reporter 4 Skip to next photo1/1Show caption1/1 More than 60 brave swimmers plunged into icy waters on New Year’s Day. The hardy group took part in the cold water event at Woodside Lodges Country Park near Ledbury, raising nearly £600 for the Mayor of Hereford’s chosen charities: Midlands Air Ambulance and The Phoenix Bereavement Trust. The swim began at 10am in water measuring just 4.1C after the Mayor of Hereford, Daniel Powell, opened the event. A display by Synchro Stingrays outdoor synchronised swimming team was followed by a warm-up led by Lucy Glover, Mayoress of Hereford. After the dip, swimmers warmed up in the lakeside sauna and enjoyed homemade cakes and hot drinks. Glynis Knott, a regular swimmer at Woodside Country Park, who came up with the idea for the event, said: “The support has been absolutely amazing. “Seeing so many people turn out on New Year’s Day to raise funds for these two amazing charities has made braving the cold all the more worthwhile. “I’ve loved being involved, and even enjoyed a refreshing dip myself.” Charity