Almost £10,000 was raised for charity by a group of brave swimmers on Boxing Day.

The frigid waters of the Channel were breached by more than 150 people on Sunny Sands, Folkestone.

Folkestone Lions Club is behind the annual event, which raises money for a variety of good causes. Half the money raised by participants goes to their nominated charity, with the other half going to the Lions club’s own chosen causes.

Membership secretary Steve Warren said: “It went very well indeed. There were alot of people there, given that there was a cold wind coming across Sunny Sands. Some people stayed in the sea quite a while, but others went in and then got straight out. It’s an excuse to raise money for good causes!”

It was one of the best spectator turn-outs in the dip’s history, with more than 1,000 people present, thanks to the timing. High Tide was at 10.30am, leaving the perfect dip time at 1.30pm. As usual, hot toddies were provided to warm people’s frozen cockles.

The oldest swimmer was 72 and the youngest was six.

There are six cups awarded each year, for everything from most money raised, to best fancy dressed.

More pictures will appear in Thursday's Kentish Express.