Two New Year’s Day dips have been cancelled as 75mph winds are predicted to hit Kent.

Events in Ramsgate and Cliftonville have been postponed or called off as a yellow weather warning is in place for January 1.

It covers the entire county, as well as the rest of England and parts of Scotland, with experts warning “very strong winds” could reach up to 75mph.

Organisers of the charity event Ramsgate New Year’s Day Dip say the RNLI warned them against going ahead.

They said in a public statement: “Following warnings from Ramsgate’s RNLI and the local fishing fleet, it’s with heavy hearts we have had to decide to postpone this year’s New Year’s Day Dip until Sunday, January 5.

“The same timings (midday) will apply.

“The strong winds, the chance of high waves and rough sea meant we had no choice but to put safety first and heed the advice of the respected authorities regarding the dangers this year's dippers face.

“Particularly when you consider last year we had over 430 dippers, of all ages, it means the safety of everyone involved in such conditions could not be guaranteed.

“All the team are disappointed but feel it’s the only right thing to do when being advised in the way we have.”

It is the first time since 2013, excluding lockdown, that the event has not gone ahead as planned.

This year, brave bathers were raising money for Ronald McDonald Houses.

Nearby in Cliftonville, Walpole Bay Swimmers will not be going ahead with their annual plunge either.

Organisers told members: “With winds of over 50mph forecast for New Year’s Day - and those speeds increasing plus a high tide - it would be foolish to go anywhere near the water.”

The weather warning runs from 12.15am until 3pm tomorrow.

Disruption is expected in the form of transport delays and cancellations of road, rail, air and ferry services.