Over 100 people braved the waves and took to the water for Hunstanton's annual Christmas swim.

Over 100 people braved the waves and took to the water for Hunstanton's annual Christmas swim.

Thousands turned out to watch the spectacle and cheer on the swimmers for the event which was organised by the town's Round Table.

127 Participants took to the festive occasion dressing as everything from Santa Claus to the town's Lighthouse.

Head of the swim committee Paul Searles, said: 'We got very good numbers considering the weather forecast wasn't the most promising.

'But is a great tradition in the town I've been involved with it for 20 years and I get to see people such as a man called Peter Brook who has been involved with event since it started in the 1950s.

'You get people coming partially for the tradition and to say Merry Christmas to the people they know in the area, but also because they want to raise money for certain causes, and hopefully with the numbers we have had this year, we have raised a lot of money for local causes and charities.'

Last year the event raised £5000 which went to charities including Scotty's Little Soldiers - a charity formed by Nikki Scott, of King's Lynn, dedicated to people who have lost loved ones in Afghanistan.

Soup and hot drinks were given to the competitors after their chilly dip into the water.

Mr Searles, said: 'I've been out into the water a few times while being involved with this event, and knowing how cold the water is this they certainly earn their soup.

Certificates are given out to all participants in the swim. Anyone who forget to collect their certificate can do so from December 28 at Heacham Manor Hotel.