VICARS, dinosaurs and crusaders will be amongst hundreds of swimmers taking the plunge on Christmas Day.

Weather permitting, one of west Dorset's most popular festive events – the traditional Christmas Day swim at Charmouth – is set to draw crowds of spectators and those plucky enough to take a dip.

Fancy dress is not compulsory but a weird and wonderful selection of costumes are expected, as usual, from 11am on the big morning.

The event is organised by the Lyme Regis and Charmouth RNLI Guild and regularly raises in the region of £2,000 for the life-saving charity.

Charmouth’s Royal Oak pub is again supporting the swim, and landlords Mathew and Sue Bracey will be providing mulled wine for those who take part.

Members of the volunteer crew of the Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat will be keeping a watchful eye out during the event which will be subject to a risk assessment of conditions during the morning.

A spokesman for the organisers said: “If the weather co-operates

we are hoping for the usual big turn out of those who just want to enjoy the spectacle and, of course, those brave enough to dip more than just a toe in the chilly surf.”

When the Charmouth Christmas Day swim was born in 1972, about 10 swimmers took the plunge for a dare.

Now, the event is more popular than ever, with more than 100 people making it a festive tradition before sitting down to Christmas lunch.

Many more line the beach to watch the swimmers charge into the icy water while helping to raise thousands of pounds for the RNLI.

Last year, the swim had to be called off due to the weather - but it didn't stop people taking a dip anyway.

In the spirit of Christmas, many people still decided to take the plunge in fancy dress to raise funds for charity in an unofficial swim event.