"Your legs seize up and you can't see anything because it's so murky..."

"I first did it when I was 15 - a few of us locals decided to pitch in then. It just seemed to be a bit of a laugh and it's good fun to join in with the community events. I can't say that the training is very intensive and it's not very technical either!

Over the past ten years, the competition has grown and grown due to all the publicity. Last year, there were over a hundred competitors with some 30-40 locals taking part.

The worst thing about it is the cold. I can't describe how cold it is - it's bitter even though the competition is held in August. I don't wear a wetsuit, just a costume, flippers and snorkel and go for it.

Your legs seize up and you can't see anything because it's so murky. You lift your head up a few times to try and get your bearings but most of the time you know you've gone the wrong way when you bump into the bank.

The smell is absolutely terrible and you just keep being pulled down into the peat bog. It is not the most ladylike of sports. We're all completely mad around here for even thinking about doing it! Some even do it in fancy dress!

I don't think I'll win this year as there are some water-polo players competing and it will be quite a job to beat them. My best time was 2' 12", but I'll give it my all."

Becky Jones from Llanwrtyd Wells