THE SECOND edition of The Big Bala Dip proved to be a hit once more as residents braved cold temperatures to take a swim in Llyn Tegid.

Held on New Year's Day, the dip returned following the successful inaugural event last year and helped raise some funds towards the South Snowdonia Search & Rescue team.

And it did just that - with a total of £490 being collected via donations from Bala Town Council, Mayor Sharon Wyn Evans and the swimmers who took part on the day.

South Snowdonia Search and Rescue Team is a voluntary organisation that is supported 365 days a year by unpaid volunteers.

It is funded entirely by donations and the fundraising efforts of individual teams.

"The generosity of the public at events such as the Big Bala Dip make it possible for us to continue with our work and we are very grateful," A spokesperson for the team said.

"Well done to all the swimmers who took part, it was a delight to meet you all and warm you with a cup of hot chocolate.

"We are overwhelmed by your generosity and really hope to see you all there again next year."

Huw Evans, dad of Tomi, 5, and Carrie, 2, who took part in the swim, said he wanted to start the year by doing something new. Mr Evans, from Cynwyd, said: "I decided to give this a go as I wanted 2019 to be a year of 'firsts' for me. I've never been in Bala lake and thought this was a great opportunity to take the dip whilst at the same time supporting South Snowdonia Search & Rescue team. 

"It was a great event and local to me so wanted to support it. When I first entered the water it was quite a shock."

Organiser Clare Mackintosh said: "Thanks so much to everyone who came to the Big Dip. It was an amazing turnout, and so brilliant to have support from the town council and from the search and rescue team too.

"The South Snowdonia Search and Rescue team are entirely staffed by volunteers and receive no government funding, and the tourism economy in this area couldn’t function without them."