Friends of a late Ambleside woman took to the water in her memory.

Vicky McDougall, who ran the Elder Grove guest house in Ambleside with husband Paul and son Aidan, was a member of the Brathay Book Club.

When she died last year, friends decided to stage a fundraising event for St Mary’s Hospice, and to remember Vicky doing what she loved – open water swimming.

They trained through the summer and took the plunge in Rydal Water. “They have been amazing,” said book club member Erja Nikander, who paddled a safety kayak for the swimmers. “Some of them had never swum in open water before. Vicky would be thrilled that she had inspired them to such an adventure.”

The on-shore support team with a collecting tin raised £160.80 from walkers passing by. The event was sponsored by the new owners of the Elder Grove, Matthew and Lucy Redman, and the book club has a Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/brathay-book-club