Hundreds of swimmers take a dip in the North Sea on Christmas Day

Five women in fancy dress on a beach at St Elizabeth's Hospice Felixstowe — Christmas Day Dip in Felixstowe, Suffolk raises funds for St Elizabeth’s Hospice

Hundreds of brave swimmers braved the teeth-gritting temperatures of the North Sea to take part in a festive swim to raise money in Suffolk.

Dippers, some of them dressed in fancy dress, dive into the water off the coast of Felixstowe and Lowestoft on Christmas Day.

Held in aid of St Elizabeth’s Hospice, the 20th anniversary of the Felixstowe swim saw swimmers take to the sea to swim to turkey before heading home.

Meanwhile, Everyone Active’s Lowestoft Swim celebrated its 45th anniversary as it once again aimed to raise thousands for local charity.

Hundreds of people took part in Christmas Day swims including in Lowestoft, Suffolk

Matt Stebbings People in fancy dress taking part in the swimming on Christmas Day in Lowestoft. Six people lying in water and two people standing in the background — Hundreds of people took part in Christmas Day swims including in Lowestoft, Suffolk

Some swimmers in Lowestoft were in fancy dress

Matt Stebbings Three men in fancy dress pose for the camera after taking part in the Christmas Day swim in Lowestoft — Some swimmers in Lowestoft were in fancy dress

Donna Taylor, General Manager of Everyone Active at Waterlane Leisure Center in Lowestoft, said: “It was fantastic to play our part in this amazing community event, which raises money for fantastic charities as well as getting people of all ages active.

“A lovely, friendly atmosphere was created by the participants and those who came to support them, and our congratulations to everyone who took part.”