FANCY dressed fundraisers braved sub zero temperatures as the sea froze over for the West Bay swim.

About 75 hardy souls took the plunge at the new outer harbour on Boxing Day watched by 2,500 friends, family and spectators.

Organisers from Bridport Round Table paid tribute to those who turned out as well as those who ensured the event went ahead.

Spokeman Simon Miles said: “It was very cold on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day.

“It was about minus 10 or minus 12 and was so cold on Boxing Day.

“There was ice in the harbour. I have never seen that before.

“We were worried that the cold might put people off but it was very well attended by swimmers and spectators.”

He added: “It was a cracking effort.

“The fancy dress was amazing this year and a lot of effort had gone in.”

The round table expects to have raised about £1100 to £1200. The amounts raised and numbers taking part were slightly down on last year because of the cold.

Mayor Geoff Ackerman waved a flag to start the swim and swim founder John McHugh handled the announcements dressed as a wizard.

Harbourmaster James Radcliffe also helped clear the slipway and area.

First aiders were on hand and there was a safety boat, two surfers and kayaker Charlie Davies in the water in case of emergencies.

Staff from Dorset County Council’s works organisation team in Bridport gritted the slipway and both piers.

Mr Miles said: “There was sheet ice. It was very kind of them to grit the areas as the event may not have gone ahead otherwise.

“People also bothered to get in the water like Charlie and the surfers to make sure it all went ahead.

“Thanks must go to everyone who helped out to make sure it went ahead. I was really pleased with the event and the generosity of the town again.

“All proceeds will go to Bridport and the local community.”

Nick Hill, 22, won the men’s fancy dress competition as a tamed monkey with a red hat and cymbals.

He said: “The cold was pretty shocking although it didn’t seem as bas a previous years. It was pretty bad walking on the snow to get in an and out of the water.”

People and organisations can apply for grants from the proceeds by going to the website at Bridportroundtable.co.uk.