Crowds took to Dover beach on Boxing Day to dunk themselves in the ice cold water as part of an annual fundraising tradition.

The event, which took place at 12pm, saw people in all attires on the beachfront preparing to raise cash for their chosen charities.

Those who wanted to take part had to register at the Dover Sea Sports Centre at 11.15am, then prepare themselves for the big freeze.

On counting, the Dover Sea Sports team worked out that there was around 180 brave residents willing to dip.

But at the last minute, others decided to give it a go, stripping off on the beach before charging into the chilly Channel.

James Salmon, a CEO of Dover Sea Sports, said: “There must have been a few thousand spectators.

“We couldn’t believe how busy it was, there can’t have been many Dover residents at home!” - James Salmon, Dover Sea Sports.

Attendees were wowed by the turn out, and Mr Salmon thinks it was the glorious weather that did the trick.

He added: “Families were out in force, with kids and shiny new bikes and scooters.

“So I think it was definitely the sunshine that bought everyone out to blow the cobwebs away.

“Everyone involved was saying they’d never seen so many people before.”

Dover resident and head lifeguard, Nakai Redman tweeted a picture of the lifeguards who supervised the event.

He said: “Lifeguards for the Boxing Day Dip in Dover, thanks for all your help!

“See you next year!”

Throughout the duration of the event, swarms of people continued to walk along to the Sea Sports Centre to admire the courage of the many Boxing Day dippers.

When all of the comotion was over, guests were able to retreat into the warm at the Hythe Bay restaurant where there was hot refreshments available.

See next week's Mercury for a double page spread of the Boxing Day Dip.