ONLY mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun or take part in the West Bay Wallow.

With sea temperatures at seven degrees and wind chill considerably lower more than 80 hardy souls braved the sea at Bridport Round Table’s annual dip.

Organiser Simon Williams, who was keeping an eye on the swimmers from his boat, said most of the swimmers were in and out in less than ten minutes.

“It went very well and we really enjoyed our first year of organising it. It is a big ask for people and we got a good turn out.”

There was quite a swell in the water, he said, and it was reassuring that all the safety measures worked.

“There was one penguin who got cramp in his calf and the diver was with him in seconds and escorted him back in to the shore. We are really pleased the system worked.”

The charity, who took over organising the fifth annual swim for the first time this year, made £1,500 for its good causes.

Individual swimmers also raised money for their favourite charities and Dave Cummings – son of retired Bridport bobby Les Cummings – is one of the regular swimmers raising money each year for children’s cancer charity Clic.