HARDY fundraisers marked the arrival of the New Year with a swim in the North Sea.

Nine people took part in the annual Saltburn Animal Rescue Association (Sara) dip.

The swimmers braved choppy seas and near-freezing temperatures.

Some took the plunge with their dogs, as crowds of spectators looked on.

The New Year’s dip has been running for about a decade to raise money for Sara, which runs Foxrush Farm Animal Sanctuary, near Redcar.

Sheila Green, of Sara, said: “It was very, very cold, and the sea was very rough this year.

“For the first time, the tide was well in, so they didn’t have as far to run.

“Everybody seemed to enjoy it – it was a good start to the new year.”

Charity fundraisers also braved the icy waters at Whitley Bay, on North Tyneside.

The bravest donned fancy dress for the annual event, with Santa suits, a mankini and a banana costume on show.

Jennifer Wagstaff, 17, from Whitley Bay, said: “It was really cold, but it didn’t put me off. It was great.”

To donate to Sara or to offer a home for an animal, call 01642-488108, visit s-a-r-a.org.

uk or visit its charity shop in Guisborough.

Elsewhere in the region, the weather continued to cause havoc with the hunting programme.

Many hunts set out on foot after deciding the ground was too hard for horses.

The Zetland Hunt, which met at the George Hotel, in Piercebridge, near Darlington, was one of several hunts that left the horses in their stables after deciding the hard ground was too dangerous.

Despite the disappointment, the hunt saw a large turnout of supporters.

David Jukes, huntsman for the Zetland Hunt, said the cold weather has had a drastic effect on the hunt this winter.

He added: “The snow and ice has massively affected us.

“We have only had 11 proper days of hunting since the opening meet at the beginning of November, when we normally meet at least twice a week.”

The Zetland Hunt will meet at Croft Hall, in Croft, near Darlington, at 11am today.