Brave, hardy or completely mad souls took the plunge in Boxing Day Dip events around Kent.

Hundreds braved freezing waters for the annual tradition which raises money for good causes with many dressed up in festive and a range of whacky costumes.

Despite record-breaking temperatures on Christmas Day, water remains extremely cold leaving many participants shocked after bracing the waves.

Swimmers faced the icy wake-up call in Minster on the Isle of Sheppey, Deal and Folkestone where hundreds more spectators gathered to watch the big splash.

In Folkestone, the town’s Sunny Sands beach was packed with supporters and participants ranging from Spiderman, a penguin, Baywatch lifeguard, dinosaur and countless other costumes.

More than 50 stepped in at Minster where people wrapped in coasts, scarves and hats lined the waterfront on The Leas which has been organised by the Minster Beach Huts Association for the past 10 years.

The challenge there – where the air temperature recorded just 8C – was to complete at least five swimming strokes with many just wading in, feeling the cold and then turning around and staggering out.

Organiser Mark Whitton said: “It’s something we began back in 2013 when the huts were first put up with 10 or 15 of us. We have gradually built it up over the years.

“Last year we had 60 to 70 and we are hoping for a big turn out today as well.”

Tim Lambkin and pub landlord Robert Box were raising money for Williams Disease.

Tim, who runs Travelmasters, said: “It’s the first time for me. I’ve done no training – and I’ve just come back from Teneriffe!”

Robert, who runs the nearby Beach Bar, said: “I take part every year. The only training I did today was to go outside this morning without a coat on!”

An appearance by the Sheerness RNLI crew saw the swimmers given the countdown to the big splash.

In Deal, there was a big turnout as well with swathes of people staggering down the shingle beach into the water next to the pier.

The tradition, which has been running in the town since 1981, is organised by the Rotary Club of Deal and the Deal Rotary Pirates which sees money raised for local charities.