Two friends braved the cold and chilly ocean on Boxing Day this year for the annual dip dressed in their finest animal fancy dress to fundraise for the RNLI.

A zebra and a giraffe ran into the ocean for a good cause on Tuesday (December 26) in Hartlepool for the annual Boxing Day dip at Seaton Carew.

Heather Waugh, originally of Durban in South Africa dressed as a giraffe with friend Ben Oliver to run fearlessly into the ocean to raise funds for Hartlepool's RNLI.

The Northern Echo: Left to right: Ben, Garry and wife Heather.Left to right: Ben, Garry and wife Heather. (Image: RNLI/TOM COLLINS)

For Heather, the RNLI has a special connection as it's her husband's workplace, which makes the dip all that more meaningful.

She said: "My husband Garry is station mechanic at the Hartlepool RNLI lifeboat station and I'm very proud of him and the volunteers who go to sea in all weathers to help save lives at sea.

"I've always wanted to take part in the dip, so this was the perfect opportunity but I must admit it's a lot colder here than back home in Durban.

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The Northern Echo: Right to left: Ben, Garry and wife Heather.Right to left: Ben, Garry and wife Heather. (Image: RNLI/TOM COLLINS)

"It was great taking part in the event, and I must say thank you to everyone who sponsored me and my friend Ben Oliver who was dressed as a zebra."

Heather and Ben were among 500 dippers who took the plunge this week in Hartlepool, whilst other brave swimmers participated in dips in Sunderland and Redcar.