HUNDREDS of festive fundraisers braved the icy North Sea and took the plunge for charity.

Swimmers turned out in force for the annual Felixstowe Christmas Day Dip opposite Manning’s Amusement Park in Sea Road.

An outside temperature of -2C - rising to around 5C in the sea - did nothing to deter the festive atmosphere, with mulled wine and mince pies readily available.

It is hoped the event will raise around �35,000 for St Elizabeth Hospice in Ipswich.

Leanne Thorndyke, the charity’s marketing officer, said: “To make the effort and come along on Christmas morning - especially when it is so cold - is wonderful. We can’t thank people enough. It really means a lot to us.”