International swimmer Philip John has retained his title at the World Bog Snorkelling Championships. The 16-year-old, who competed at the National Youth Swimming Championships in Sheffield earlier this month, also shaved four seconds off the bog snorkelling world record.

　　He donned his snorkel and flippers to complete the course in one minute 35 seconds at the event in the UK's smallest town - Llanwrtyd Wells in mid-Wales. The teenager was one of almost 100 competitors taking part in the watersport. Entrants have to complete two lengths of the course, a 60 yard by 4ft peat bog.

　　Philip, of Bridgend, south Wales, first took part in the competition last year after his uncle Steve Madeline - a previous champion - encouraged him to give it a go.

　　The youngster said: "It is really good fun. I don't really train for it. Being an international swimmer helps, although you can see through the water in a swimming pool, it is a bit warmer and you aren't as smelly when you come out."

　　The rules of the competition were toughened up this year, with a time limit introduced. A spokeswoman for sponsors Ben & Jerry's, said: "Competitors have only one minute 30 seconds to reach the first turn before they are hauled out and sent for an early hose down."

　　The event drew competitors from the UK, USA, Australia and Germany. The bizarre championships started in 1986 as pub regulars were thinking up ideas for a charity fundraising initiative. This year, all funds raised from the championships will be donated to the mid Wales division of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

　　The Ben & Jerry's spokeswoman said: "It has gone really well and we have raised a lot of money for the trust. The weather has been good so people have been wallowing in the mud to keep cool." As well as a trophy, Philip wins a year's supply of ice cream for his success.