DIVERS in Oxford caused the first splash of 2011 when they went for a freezing swim in Hinksey Lake.

Seven members of the Oxford Sub Aqua Club broke through ice to go for a 20-minute dip in the water.

It is all part of a tradition dating back 54 years, as members believe it gives them good luck when diving for for the rest of the year.

Nick Allsworth, 50, from Kennington, was the first through the ice in full diving gear including breathing apparatus.

He said: “It all went really well, and it wasn’t as cold as you might think.

“I think the people stood watching us were much colder than we were, though I had to jump on the ice a few times to make a big enough hole for us to get through.

“There were about 20 or 30 people watching us from the banks. I think it gave people having a lazy morning walk along the lake something good to look at.”