On a deserted, wet and windy beach in Gorleston a group of nurses showed they are willing to do anything for charity, and urged others to join them.

While people are often asked to dip into their pockets for charity, the St Elizabeth Hospice ask that you dip yourself into the winter waters of the North sea.

The charity, that supports people with progressive illnesses such as Alzheimers in Great Yarmouth and Waveney, are inviting people to make a New Year's Day splash by taking a dip in the sea off Gorleston to raise money for the hospice, which is investing �2.2m in the next three years to grow local Hospice care for local people.

The nurses from the St Elizabeth Hospice day unit in Gorleston this week officially launched registration for the Tuesday, January 1, 2013 event. Dressed in uniform and party hats they braved the cold sea to get a taste of what is to come on New Year's Day.

Nurse Michelle Stanton-Towers, 37, from Gorleston, said: 'It was really cold, but I would definitely recommend it for charity. People with illness have to go through a lot more.'

Her colleague Lorraine Waters, 56, from Winterton, said: 'It may be cold now, but it will be fine after a mince pie and mulled wine. Which will be free as well!

'Cold but fun, I'm excited about the actual event, and the atmosphere will be amazing, with everyone together doing something for the local community.

'It will only take a small amount of your time and will give you time to remember people who are no longer with you.'

The New Year's Day Dip is aimed at supporters in North Suffolk and South East Norfolk and those wishing to remember a loved one or help grow local hospice care.

St Elizabeth Hospice's events fundraiser Leanne Carhart said: 'The New Year is a good time to take on a new challenge. We hope lots of people will join us and help raise money for St Elizabeth Hospice to continue to provide local Hospice care free of charge for local people.'

The dip takes place at 10.30am opposite the bandstand on Gorleston Beach. Mulled wine and mince pies will be served afterwards and participants will receive a medal.

The registration fee is �5 per person and participants are asked to raise sponsorship.

There is also a Chrismas day dip in the sea off Felixstowe.

Register for either or both online at www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk or for more information contact the fundraising team by email fundraising@stelizabethhospice.org.uk