Record numbers of hardy swimmers are reported to have braved the icy North Sea this morning in what is thought to have been the best attended Aldeburgh Christmas Swim in its 25 year history.

Event organiser Mark Fairweather, who also swam for the 18th successive year, said it went “really well with a record number of swimmers taking part”.

“The swimmers all did incredibly well, they’ve all certainly suffered for the money they’ve raised,” he said.

“I’ve got the greatest of admiration for them all.”

The event, first held in 1988 to support the survivors of an earthquake disaster in Armenia, which killed 45,000 people, has continued raising funds for charity in each of the subsequent years.

Swimmers this year are expected to have raised more than £2,000 in aid of Medecines Sans Frontiers and the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices, two charities the event has regularly benefited.

Mr Fairweather said the swim was a “community effort” and praised all those who contributed to its success.

“Lots of people have put their time and effort to I would like to thank the First Responders, the Coastguard and everyone helped on the medical side of things to ensure that if anything went wrong we were best prepared,” he said.

The White Lion Hotel was also thanked for supplying the swimmers with a well deserved cup of hot chocolate after completing the event, as was Aldeburgh Town Council for its support organising the event.

The Mayor of Aldeburgh Sarah Fox said it was a “brilliant” occasion and praised the organisers for putting together such a well-run event.

“It’s becoming quite a well known event with people visiting from as far as Cambridge to watch,” she said.

“It’s nice for the swimmers to be we well supported.”