STAFF from the Morrisons Redcar store braved the chilly temperatures of the North Sea to celebrate the store's second birthday and raise money for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

About 20 members of staff slipped into fancy dress costumes before submerging themselves in the icy water. Funds from an in-store collection are also going into the pot to help the RNLI.

Paul Lee, general manager of the store, said: "It is great that the staff and customers can raise money for such a worthy cause that has a real impact locally."

An RNLI spokesman said: "Our volunteer crews are funded almost entirely by voluntary donations, meaning occasions such as these are all the more important.

"We would like to thank the staff and customers at Morrisons Redcar store for the effort and generosity they have shown to raise these welcome funds."