A record number of swimmers dashed down Dover beach on Boxing Day to make the annual charity splash a day to remember, especially for one visitor from the other side of the world.

Blair Riseborough, 30, from Perth, wore his Australian rugby shirt for the occasion but the added clothing failed to keep him warm in an English winter.

"I knew the water would be cold, but not that cold! It was a real shock when I dived it and although I intended to swim for three minutes I was back out in two. But it was good fun."

Blair, who is a teacher, was living in London when he met Lacie Cole from Dover and the couple have lived in Australia for two years. They were back in her home town for a Christmas visit with her family when he found out about the annual event, organised by Dover Lifeguard Club.

Head coach Tim Hyde said it had been a successful dip with a big crowd as well as a record number of people taking part and raising cash for good causes.

* For full story and two pages of photos, buy the Dover Mercury on Thursday.