Ideal weather conditions greeted the shoal of swimmers who took part in Sunday's Caldey Swim in aid of Tenby RNLI. The crossing from the monastic island to the mainland was contested by 94 entrants, with a large local contingent joined by swimmers from all over the UK who were keen to take part in this iconic open water challenge. A calm sea and a gentle 4mph wind made the conditions "fantastic", said Andrew Wallace from Pembroke, who swam nearly 2.8 miles to be the first to arrive back on Tenby's North Beach in 56 minutes. The 45-year-old software consultant represented Wales in pool events as a youngster, but has only latterly started open water swimming. He was closely followed home by 38-year-old Sarah Hempenstall from Surrey, a member of the sporting White family of Saundersfoot. "Although I grew up here, I've never swum from Caldey so my mum persuaded me to enter," said mum-of-three Sarah, a sergeant in the Surrey police. Third place was claimed by Peter Hopson, aged 46, from Cardiff. The swim, organised by the Tenby Sea Swimming Association, was sponsored by the Port of Milford Haven; Princes Gate Water and Big Brum's, with bananas donated by Four Seasons.