Intrepid dippers brave the freezing North Sea for Sheringham New Year swim

Georgie Edge and nine-year-old daughter Evie warm up after taking part in the Sheringham New Year's Day dip. Photo: Karen Bethell (Image: Archant)

Crowds lined the promenade to watch as nearly 150 intrepid dippers aged from seven to seventy-plus lined up along the east beach before sprinting into the sea.

Organised for the second year running by Sheringham lifeboat junior helmsman Liam Cooper with the help of fellow crew members, the town's carnival committee and HM Coastguard, the event attracted hundreds of spectators.

Ladybird Pre-school Nursery office manager Helen Jewers (centre) with, from left: dad Terry, friend Rob Emery, mum Mary and brother Richard. The family took part in Cromer's Boxing Day swim before signing up for Sheringham's New Year's Day dip. Photo: Karen Bethell (Image: Archant)

After taking part last year, local photographer Chris Taylor, who is lifeboat helmsman, decided to stay on dry land to capture the event on camera.

'We are mad English folk and it's a bit different and a bit of fun,' he said. 'It wakes you up after the night before, but I think it is also one of those things that everyone should do once then tick it off their bucket list.'

Snow White braves the waves at Sheringham's New Year's Day dip. Photo: Karen Bethell (Image: Archant)

Organisers had been 'delighted' with the large turnout, Mr Taylor added, with numbers registering for the event amounting to three times last year's total.

Those taking part included local folk ranging from community groups to families, with day trippers and holidaymakers coming from as far afield as London, Lincolnshire and Hertfordshire including brothers-in-law Lloyd Bennett, from Stevenage, and James Ougham, from Letchworth, and their children Rose, 9, and Bobby, 7.

Mary Cutler and son Richard brave the waves at Sheringham New Year's Day dip. Photo: Karen Bethell (Image: Archant)

London solicitor Hannah Stockham, who signed up with husband Ben, an army captain, and friend Ellie Potter, who is a teacher at Taverham Primary School, said: 'We found it online and decided to come along as characters from the film The Little Mermaid as we thought it was a great way to start the new year.'

Mr Taylor thanked all those who had supported the event, including swimmers, spectators and staff at the Crown pub, who served up free hot drinks to those taking part.

Sheringham New Year's Day dip. Photo: Karen Bethell (Image: Archant)

He said: 'We tried to encourage fancy dress this year and it has gone really well, the weather has been perfect, the sea was nice and calm and we raised over £1,000 for the RNLI - more than double last year's total.'

Sheringham New Year's Day dip. Photo: Karen Bethell (Image: Archant)

A couple of Christmas characters line up on the beach ready for Sheringham New Year's Day dip. Photo: Karen Bethell (Image: Archant)

Swimmers line up on the beach ready for Sheringham New Year's Day dip. Photo: Karen Bethell (Image: Archant)

Sheringham New Year's Day dip. Photo: Karen Bethell (Image: Archant)

Swimmers line up on the beach ready for Sheringham New Year's Day dip. Photo: Karen Bethell (Image: Archant)

Sheringham New Year's Day dip. Photo: Karen Bethell (Image: Archant)

Sheringham New Year's Day dip. Photo: Karen Bethell (Image: Archant)

Sheringham New Year's Day dip. Photo: Karen Bethell (Image: Archant)

Sheringham New Year's Day dip. Photo: Karen Bethell (Image: Archant)

'Vulture' Kevin Webb gives the thumbs up after taking part in Sheringham New Year's Day dip. Photo: Karen Bethell (Image: Archant)

Sheringham New Year's Day dip. Photo: Karen Bethell (Image: Archant)

Ladybird Pre-School Nursery office manager Helen Jewers with mum Mary and friend Rob Emery. Photo: Karen Bethell (Image: Archant)

Warming up after Sheringham New Year's Day dip. Photo: Karen Bethell (Image: Archant)

Swimmers line up on the beach ready for Sheringham New Year's Day dip. Photo: Karen Bethell (Image: Archant)

Ladybird Pre-School Nursery staff members pose for a photo before taking part in Sheringham New Year's Day dip. Photo: Karen Bethell (Image: Archant)

Swimmers line up on the beach ready for Sheringham New Year's Day dip. Photo: Karen Bethell (Image: Archant)

Crowds lined the prom at Sheringham New Year's Day dip. Photo: Karen Bethell (Image: Archant)

Sheringham New Year's Day dip. Photo: Karen Bethell (Image: Archant)

Sheringham New Year's Day dip. Photo: Karen Bethell (Image: Archant)