Hunstanton
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It was minus 3c (27f) on a sunny Christmas Day morning when over 100 brave swimmers took to the North Sea coast and plunged into icy seas to swim for charity - all in fancy dress.
The annual event is held at the UK's Hunstanton Promenade and organized by Hunstanton and District Round Table who raise money for charity. The charities are selected by those brave enough to take the plunge and around 1,000 onlookers, many with their dogs, turned out on a bitterly cold and sunny morning to cheer on the hardy swimmers as happens every year.
The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe take the plunge in the icy seas at Hunstanton beach
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This December has just been officially recorded as the coldest since records began in the UK. Night-time temperatures have regularly plummeted to around -12c (10f) as bitter Arctic winds continue to bring unseasonably cool conditions to the British Isles and much of Western Europe. A cold wind greeted the swimmers, coming right off the North Sea.
Swimmers take the plunge for charity on Hunstanton beach
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The event attracted men,women and children of all ages despite the temperatures and presents to be unwrapped - it started with a Gyrocopter display with five pilots spinning just feet from the cold waters to the amusement of several onlookers on the beach. Swimmers were allowed to use the facilities at the local Oasis Leisure Centre and some dressed in the car park.
Fancy dress swimmers take the plunge in the icy North Sea
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James Lock, 15, from Norwich, was dressed only in a Santa hat and a pair of shorts. Another fancy dress swimmer Rob David, 22, also from Norwich, was wearing an England football kit, and he said, "It's not cold, not once you are in the water. It is surprisingly warmer in the sea than standing just outside it!"
Sue George said, "I can't feel my hands but once I am swimming it really is no problem".
A prize of £25 for the best dressed individual and £100 for the best group will be presented prior to the swim, reports the Hunstanton and District Round Table
website. The Christmas swim has been going on for 50 years and continues to attract record crowds and record number of swimmers. The event allows the Round Table to raise much needed funds for local causes and charities.
Despite minus 3c temperatures these hardy swimmers took to the seas for an icy dip
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Gyrocopter buzzes around the beach on Christmas morning in Hunstanton
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Hot soup is given to all the swimmers as they come out of the water. The temperature in the North Sea is still relatively warm. With the air temperature at -3c , the sea temperature is around 7c (45f), as it takes months for the huge body of sea to cool down.
Charity swim day in Hunstanton attracted several people on Xmas morning
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If you missed out on this year's event then there's always next year on Christmas Day for anyone brave enough to take the plunge where many dogs even decided to stay put with their owners on the beach.
Xmas day swim in Hunstanton
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