A VET from Guilden Sutton defied icy shark infested waters to snatch a top prize in one of the most extreme long distance cold water sea races in the world.

Former Upton High School student and City of Chester Swimming Club member Emma Alsop, 32, won the ladies 30+ category in this year's Cadiz Freedom Swim in South Africa.

The 7.5km long swim across the famous Robben Island channel, known for its bitterly cold water and strong, unpredictable currents, begins from Murray's Bay on Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years and ends on the beach in Big Bay on Cape Town's False Bay coast.

Measures are needed to protect competitors, each of whom is accompanied by a safety boat, from shark attack.

Proud mum Mrs Joyce Alsop of Oaklands, Guilden Sutton says she was "seriously worried" about the prospect of Emma taking part in the race, particularly as there had been a recent shark attack in the next bay, but added:"They obviously do take care."

Mrs Alsop, who heard the result in a text from Emma, revealed that at one point she had thought about giving up but the crew in her safety boat had urged her on.

The conditions saw the water temperature drop to just 11 degrees C and several competitors had to be rescued and treated for hypothermia.

Emma herself had a body temperature of 32 degrees C when she emerged onto the beach, compared with the usual 37 degrees.

Dad Eric Alsop pointed out that competitors have to take part in a qualifying swim around the bay to ensure they do not suffer any lack of co-ordination or brain function due to the coldness of the water.

If they are uncomfortable, they are not allowed to enter.

Emma's time of just under 2 hrs 20 mins also placed her seventh in the provisional overall results.

Described by mum as "very competitive", Emma learned to swim at the Northgate Arena with coach Harry Peacock.

After studying veterinary science at the University of Liverpool, Emma won a pharmaceutical company prize to a veterinary conference in South Africa when she is now in her second year of practice having been persuaded to move there by a fellow Brit vet.

"We are extremely proud as she fitted in training sessions in the bay and in the pool around her work at the practice," said Mr Alsop.