Festive paddleboarders take to the chilly river Brit

More than 30 people on paddleboards took to the River Brit dressed in their most festive costumes to raise money for Action for Children.

Sara Bennett, who runs Bay Paddle Boards, and helped to organise the fundraiser, she said: “We went up the River Brit on a bit of a paddle and then had mince pies and hot chocolates by the Salt House in West Bay.

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“It takes a bit of guts to get in the water when it is four degrees. It was so grey and so cold, but hopefully, we brought a little bit of sunshine.

“If you are willing to do that sort of thing on a cold Sunday, then you are a special kind of person.”

Some doubled up on their boards, bringing their children or even festively dressed dogs onto the river. The youngest was nine and the oldest was 72. Thankfully throughout the hour that the group spent on the gentle river no one fell into its cold waters.

This is the third year organisers have run the event and have raised over £600 for the charity.

The charity Action for Children aims to support children, young people, parents, and carers across Dorset by providing services including advocacy, parenting programmes, a nightsop service and more.

Speaking about why she helped to set up the fundraiser, Sara said: “I also work at a school for vulnerable children and Jane - who I paddleboard with - works with Action for Children so we decided to team up.

“We know there a lot of children out there at Christmas who are really miserable, no presents and no pigs-in-blanket. We wanted to do something practical that makes the day cheerful and does some good.

“We are going to do one next year, there are more people getting into paddleboarding and this is a good excuse to break them out in winter and do something fun. Thank you to everyone who donated and participated, it is much appreciated and a real blast to take part in.”