Visitors and locals now have a new swimming group to enjoy on the Isle of Wight.

A group of local swimmers have come together to establish the Isle of Wight Bluetits, aiming to invite both visitors and locals to swim and dip together.

One of the Isle of Wight Bluetits, midwife Katie Jubb, had followed Bluetits Chill Swimmers for some time, hoping one day to have a flock on the Isle of Wight.

The Bluetits is a global social enterprise that began in Wales in 2014 and now boasts over 100 social groups.

There are approximately 100,000 Bluetits globally although they do not operate as an official club or charge membership fees. The enterprise welcomes everyone to informal swims organised within the groups.

Katie said: “I have bumped into many Bluetits on various cold water lido trips on the mainland and even followed a flock with my hubby, to Estonia in March this year.

”We have lost the art of switching off and winding down. Cold water swimming forces you to think about nothing else, you have no other option but to be present and in the moment!”

Ryde swimming teacher Claire Gale began cold water swimming three years ago.

She said: “I've made wonderful friends and get a huge thrill from swimming year-round, valuing how it helps me 'reset' on tough days.”

If you wish to join in, ask to join the Isle of Wight Bluetits Group on Facebook or go along to the Memorial on Sandown Seafront at 5.30pm on a Friday evening.