BRAVE schoolchildren have battled the Great North Swim as some of the youngest ever entrants.

Allanah Donlan and Ellen Leandro from St Monica's Catholic primary school in Appleton, are both aged eight, which is the minimum entry age for the national swimming event.

The two youngsters travelled to Lake Windermere to swim across a freezing cold and choppy lake with people of all ages, making their challenge all the braver.

The Great North Swim, which is sponsored by John West Food offers different swimming distances, from 250 meters to 10k.

A spokesperson for St Monica's said: "They were very brave and we are very proud of them."