Boxing Day dippers brave the waves around the Norfolk coast
North Norfolk Beach Runners Boxing Day fun run and dip in the North Sea 2015 by Cromer pier, in aid of the charity Mesothelioma UK (an asbestos related cancer) in memory of Alec Fraser who died of cancer last Christmas.Picture: MARK BULLIMORE
Come on in the water's lovely ... and cold. Hundreds of festive revellers accepted the invitation to brave the waves for a bracing Boxing Day dip.
North Norfolk Beach Runners Boxing Day fun run and dip in the North Sea 2015 by Cromer pier, in aid of the charity Mesothelioma UK (an asbestos related cancer) in memory of Alec Fraser who died of cancer last Christmas.Picture: MARK BULLIMORE
The unseasonably mild weather helped encourage crowds of people to take the plunge along the north Norfolk coast.
A 'record' number of dippers joined the swim at Cromer to make a mad dash into the chilly North Sea.
There where screams and yells as swimmers splashed around in the shallows, many in suitably seasonal dress. The bathers were cheered on by a large crowd gathered on the promenade next to Cromer Pier.
Organised by North Norfolk Beach Runners (NNBR), this year's dip was raising money for the Mesothelioma UK (an asbestos related cancer) in memory of friend and running colleague Alec Fraser who died of this cancer last year.
North Norfolk Beach Runners Boxing Day fun run and dip in the North Sea 2015 by Cromer pier, in aid of the charity Mesothelioma UK (an asbestos related cancer) in memory of Alec Fraser who died of cancer last Christmas.Picture: MARK BULLIMORE
Chairman of NNBR Clive Hedges said: 'The Christmas dip has been around 28 years and this has got to be the biggest yet. It has grown in popularity, we have people from all over the world taking part - it has international fame.
'The most important thing is that this was a fitting tribute to Alec and will help a good cause.
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'The dip was very bracing, but wonderful, Christmas is not complete without it - now I can relax and have a nice warm coffee.'
Amongst those taking part was Miss Cromer Charlotte Crane who was dressed in a Santa suit for the occasion.
North Norfolk Beach Runners Boxing Day fun run and dip in the North Sea 2015 by Cromer pier, in aid of the charity Mesothelioma UK (an asbestos related cancer) in memory of Alec Fraser who died of cancer last Christmas.Picture: MARK BULLIMORE
She said: 'It was brilliant, I put plenty of layers on and thermal tights to make sure I didn't get too cold.'
Elsewhere along the coast a large crowd watched as 40 swimmers took to the water during the traditional Boxing Day Swim at Overstrand. Mulled wine was served and a collection was made for local charities.
The sea temperature was measured at 10 degrees as Mundesley Inshore Lifeboat held its annual swim at the Beach Road boat house on with around 200 dippers cheered on by up to 2000 spectators. Aiden Taylor won the children's fancy dress competition with Brian Pearce first in the adult section.
Swimmers also shook off the Christmas cobwebs joining the fifth annual 'Let's Do It Anyway' charity dip at Sea Palling.
