Shivering but smiling, hundreds of people started their Christmas day with a splash.

More than 200 people braved North Sea temperatures to take part in today's Lowestoft Christmas Charity Swim, raising money for local good causes.

Dozens donned costumes; there were pirates, penguins, Ghostbusters, Santas of all shapes and sizes, snowmen and one or two mankinis on show as fundraisers waded into the water, which at about 8C (46.4F) was actually warmer than the 3C outside air.

Lowestoft's Christmas Day swim dates back 40 years and was saved by the Sentinel Leisure Trust last year, which runs leisure services in Waveney on behalf of the district council.

Joe Annis, a director of Sentinel, helped establish the event when he was working as a lifeguard.

'It's the 38th official swim but it'll be my 40th,' said Mr Annis.

'We've never had to cancel in all that time.

'We've had a few rainy days, some snow showers and one year when swimmers had to go in small groups for their own safely but when you've got weather like this, it's just fantastic.'

He said thanks had to go to Lowestoft's RNLI lifeboat, coastguards and volunteer lifeguards and everyone who helped with the day, including staff at the seafront Hatfield Hotel who kept swimmers warm before and after they went into the water near Claremont Pier.

An estimated 1,500 people lined the prom and beach to watch today's swim.

Did you take part? Email your pictures and video to lauren.rogers@archant.co.uk