DAN Jones marked his open water debut by claiming victory in the Red Bull Neptune Steps in Glasgow.

The 21-year-old from Welshpool braved freezing temperatures in the depths of the Forth and Clyde canal to take gold.

Despite being an open water novice the Welsh international ace completed the 420m course in a time of 7:19.

Jones said: “I hadn’t done any training for this at all. Considering I only do pool swimming and the temperature in there is normally about 26 degrees, to drop to three is quite a jump.”

Jones narrowly missed out on selection for the Commonwealth Games but continues to impress for Swansea Aquatics and Swim Wales

Earlier this month Jones competed in the British Championships in Edinburgh and ended fifth in the 100m freestyle and ninth in the 50m freestyle.

Jones is now stepping up his training ahead of the Welsh National and British Summer National events.

Jones thanked his sponsors at Rikki Lloyd Butchers and Best Kebab as well as equipment providers Blue Seventy

Meanwhile younger brother Morgan has followed in Jones’ footsteps by making his debut for the national youth squad this season.

Jones travelled to France where he made his international bow having previously been part of the Welsh training camps

The 17 year old Welshpool High School student is part of the successful Oswestry Otters Swimming Club.

Jones was also in action in the British Championships and returned from Edinburgh with several new personal best times and invaluable experience.

Jones will also be in action in the Welsh National in Swansea before turning his attention to the British Summer event in Sheffield in July.