Some call them brave, most call them crazy.

But the eccentric and charitable spirit of swimmers who took to the waters of The Wash at Hunstanton today was praised by the Round Table's national president of Great Britain and Ireland.

Mark House was attending, and participating in, the Hunstanton Christmas Day swim for the first time.

The event has been run for some 50 years and has been organised by the Hunstanton and District Round Table since 1972 to raise money for various charitable causes.

This year's charities have not yet been decided upon.

Mr House, who is from Southend, was one of around 140 swimmers to take to the waters and hundreds more attended to cheer them on.

He said: 'The Round Table puts on around 500 events throughout the year and raises about £4m for good causes.

'The Hunstanton group raises a good amount of money and it's inspiring to see all these people out here today, on Christmas Day, doing something good to help others.

'The turnout is very impressive and I'm amazed that there are enough people mad enough to do it.'

Andrew Bingham, chairman of Hunstanton and District Round Table, said: 'This event has become a real Christmas Day tradition in Hunstanton and we keep seeing new faces here every year.'

Many swimmers wore fancy dress.

Batman and Robin, Superman, Wonder Woman, Father Christmas, Little Red Riding Hood, traffic cones, vicars, Puss in Boots, Shrek and Christmas puddings were amongst the colourful costumes worn this year.

Meanwhile, some 40 swimmers took to the waters at Walcott today, cheered on by about 100 spectators.