A BOXING day dip was cancelled at the last minute because of poor weather.

The dip had been due to take place at Seaham but the sea was deemed to be too dangerous.

In a statement, the organisers said: “Due to the horrific weather conditions the dip has not passed the health and safety weather conditions.

Read more: A66 shut and yellow weather warning for North East and Yorkshire

“We can only apologise for the inconvenience with everyone being refunded over the next coming days.”

Seaham Coastguard said in a statement: “Unfortunately, the boxing day dip at Seaham has been cancelled due to the sea state. Please do not try to enter the water in an attempt to do the dip today.

“The dip is organised with safety cover in place and has been cancelled because it is very dangerous down at the coast at the moment. The waves are coming over the pier and into the harbour.

“There would be an immediate risk to life to anyone going near the sea. Stay safe and live to raise money for charity another day. All the best from the Seaham team."

Other dips have taken place today in Redcar and Hartlepool.

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054