HUNDREDS donned fancy dress to start 2016 with a dip in the sea as charity money was raised at the Lyme Lunge.
Almost 400 swimmers braved stormy conditions to take part in the annual event - as thousands of onlookers watched on at the sandy beach in Lyme Regis.
PICTURE GALLERY: LYME LUNGE 2016
With the Lyme Regis RNLI crew on hand to look after those taking part, the excited 'lungers' laughed and squealed as they dashed into the cold water, all to raise money for Children’s Hospice South West.
The event was once again organised by the Rotary Club of Lyme Regis.
A spokesman said: "We have raised over £2,500 to date - with an expectation of considerable additional monies coming in from promised sponsorship and Rotary match funding.
"Well done everyone involved.
"Thanks to our sponsors for their support - By the Bay for tasty hot soup for all swimmers, the town crier for immerse help and for leading the parade, the lifeboat crew for safety in the water, St John Ambulance, Axminster Rotary Club, Mayor of Lyme Regis Cllr Owen Lovell who hastily turned down a later invitation to lunge - and friends of the Rotary who also helped enormously.
"Particular thanks go to rotarian Jim Moseley, whose organisation of the event once again proved excellent. It supports the whole community and it helps a great cause."
Before the Lyme Lunge, people gathered to raise money for the Christmas lights appeal at the annual duck race. The event was started at Higher Mill Flats, Windsor Terrace by Cllr Owen Lovell - as the ducks raced down the River Lym.
Prizes were also handed out to winners.
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