A Westfield swimmer has told Nub News how much she enjoys swimming in one of the nearest river swims closest to home, and what it means for freedom.

Nub News went to Farleigh (And District) Swimming Club which is a popular local wild water swimming place and attracts people from all over including Radstock, Frome and Bath. The Club has applied for clean bathing status, which it hopes will ensure that Wessex Water keeps a close watch on any pollution problems.

Founded in 1933, the Farleigh & District Swimming Club is believed to be the oldest river swimming club in the country. 

The club, which was founded in 1933, has just applied for official Clean Bathing Status, although Sophie Bridges from Westfield who was swimming at that stretch of the Frome River that she had never fallen ill in spite of coming there three times a week.

She explained what was so lovely about swimming there and told Nub News : " It makes you feel like you have an element of freedom in the world you live in. You can relax. Vobster (Quay) is lovely but it has a set route and you feel very very far from the shore, here you are never on your own here. You are always just a hand reach from a tree if you did get into trouble.

" I feel like this is more natural, you are in nature, it is more relaxing, more therapeutic and immersive. "

The club expects to get a decision on clean bathing status later this year with swimming is open to members only until the end of September.