Hundreds do the dips

DIPPERS turned out in their droves at the coast for a splashing start to Boxing Day.

- By NAOMI CORRIGAN

The Boxing Day dip at Seaton Carew

The sun shone brightly at Seaton Carew as families headed out to dust off the Christmas cobwebs and either take part or cheer on those braving the icy waters of the North Sea.

This year The Marine Hotel served breakfast buns and hot drinks pre-dip. Then at 11.30am the parade left the hotel and dippers, many decked in fancy dress, made their way down to the shore.

The dip is organised annually by Hartlepool Round Table and raises thousands of pounds for local causes and charities.

Colm Simpson from the Hartlepool Round Table said the event usually raises around £20,000.