Boxing Day Dip organisers have confirmed the annual event in Deal will still go ahead.

People had questioned whether the popular fundraiser, which draws in thousands in crowds, would proceed amid spiralling cases of Covid-19.

But today, vice president of Deal Rotary, Marlene Burnham, said: "It is go, go, go!

"Unless we hear directly from Rotary International, it is going ahead as planned," she continued.

"We had our final committee meeting yesterday to make sure we have everything in place and organised.

"There will be hand sanitiser for people that are registering.

"All we ask if that people are sensible."

It will be at 11am next to Deal Pier.

She also has asked spectators to "not mill around" by the registration gazebos, but to enjoy the fun from the Pier, the rails or by The Royal Hotel.

The event which was taken over by Deal Rotary Club from founders Deal Icebreakers in 2019 marks its 40th anniversary this year.

Already 224 have signed up and paid to take part.

Mrs Burnham said: "We're very pleased because we thought people might not bother this year, but we had people trying to get in touch with us as early as September."

The organisation has roped in extra volunteers to help with crowd control to maintain safety.

There will also be helpers walking around collecting donations in buckets.

Money raised will be split between local good causes.

Registration at £7 at dealrotaryicebreakers.co.uk ends at 11pm tonight but people can pay on the day, for a fee of £10.

All pre booked entrants will need to print off their ticket and check in at the registration desk to recieve a wristband, granting entry into the secure beach area.

Those paying on the day are asked to pay via card.

Footwear is recommened and participants are asked to leave the water by 11.15am and not swim further than 50 metres from the beach.