Girl completes year of daily wild swims for Scouts

A girl from Devon has completed a challenge to wild swim every day for a year to raise money for her local Scout group.

Eva, a Scout in Buckfastleigh, raised £1,644 after concluding her fundraising efforts on Friday in Dartington.

Speaking to the BBC, the 11-year-old said: "I get in every day even if it is cold or overflowing - I always find a safe place."

The youngster also received messages of congratulations from chief Scout Bear Grylls and Paralympic gold medallist Ellie Simmonds.

In an act of solidarity and support, Grylls recorded a video of himself jumping into a a body of water before shouting: "Well done, Eva."

Meanwhile, Simmonds said: "For a great cause, you have been raising it for your Scout group down in Devon, which is just so lovely."

Eva was also praised by her fellow Scouts.

Yula, 11, said: "She has done such a good job for a whole year. She has been really determined and really good."

Harriet, 11, added: "She has done really well and we are super proud of her, she has been awesome."

Eva's mum, Amy, said it was the "perfect challenge" for her daughter as she had "always loved being outside".

Eva's Scout leader Charlotte Pitchford also awarded her a "special" badge for going "above and beyond".

"For Eva to get it as a Scout, it is a huge honour for her," she said.

Girl taking on wild swimming every day for a year