DOZENS of people braved the bitterly cold North Sea to raise money for charities.

Animal-lovers were among those who demonstrated dedication to their cause by jumping in the sea at Saltburn on New Year's Day.

The ten New Year's Day revellers who took the dip hope to raise up to £600 for abandoned pets.

And they certainly shook the cobwebs away as they jumped in the sea while bemused onlookers cheered.

"It was really good fun to be there and, of course, I would have gone in but I had to look after the dogs - honest!" joked organiser Anne Prosser from the Saltburn Animal Rescue Association.

"There was quite a crowd who gave a big cheer and it was brilliant to get ten people mad enough to jump in the sea for us.

"Last year was the first time we did it and there were only two, so it is good see support for our charity growing."

Dozens of people - some in fancy dress - also took part in the annual Boxing Day dip at Redcar.

Among them were Redcar and Cleveland Mayoress, Brenda Forster and Mayor Eric Jackson.

They were raising money for Teesside Lions Club, in aid of local, national and international charities, as well as a share for the mayor's charity fund.