Boxing Day dippers plunge into North Sea at Seaton Carew

Dippers in Hartlepool were not put off by the poor weather conditions, with hundreds of people taking the plunge for charity.

Read more: Pictures: Boxing Day dip at Seaton Carew, Hartlepool

The annual event is organised by Hartlepool Round Table. 

About 200 people signed up and about £10,000 raised for charities.

Read more: Seaham Boxing Day dip cancelled due to bad weather

Chairman Colm Simpson, who has previously helped with the organisation but took a dip himself for the first time, said: "It was certainly bracing. It was a really good event.

"We're really pleased with the turnout despite the weather we've had and what the sea was looking like.

"Everyone got in and had a good time and I'm really happy with the event.

"It's raising money for all sorts of good causes and we estimate approximately £10,000 has been raised for charity.

"It's a fantastic event."

Among the charities to benefit from the dip are the RNLI in Hartlepool and domestic abuse charity Harbour. 

A dip also took place in Redcar this morning.

However, one planned for Seaham was cancelled due to the bad weather.

Seaham Coastguard said it was too dangerous for the event to take place and said there was an "immediate risk to life" for anyone going in the sea. 

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