RICHARD PARR More than 100 people bravely took the plunge today when they took part in Cromer's Boxing Day swim.

RICHARD PARR

More than 100 people bravely took the plunge today when they took part in Cromer's Boxing Day swim.

Organiser Terry Quigley said the water was “extremely cold.”

He said the starting point close to the pier was rather cramped on the beach because the tide was full.

For one group of teenagers from the Reepham area the dash into the water had a special significance because they were taking part and raising money in memory of their friend, 13-year-old Andrew Stringer. Andrew, of Reepham, a gifted sportsman and keen musician, died earlier this year after a 15-month battle with a brain tumour.

Dean Johnson, Joe Wright, Robert Dixon, Kelly Langford, Joshua Kennedy and Jacob Mears were raising money for the Hampshire-based, Samantha Dixon Tumour Trust, which raises awareness and funding for brain tumour research.

Dean, 13, of Reepham, raised around £1000 from donations and pledges and said it was very cold in the sea but they all enjoyed taking part in memory of Andrew. He thanked everyone who had supported the group's fund-raising.

The popular event was watched by crowds of about 1,000 and among those taking part were members of Cromer Football Club.

The swim is organised every year by the North Norfolk Beach Runners and this year the proceeds, expected to be more than £1,000, will go towards the Norfolk Autistic Society.