DOG lovers donned Dalmatian costumes to splash into the icy sea for a charity Boxing Day dip.

Doggy paddlers descended on Dovercourt beach this Christmas to raise money for Canine99 which saves unwanted pooches from being put down.

Swimmer Vicki Lewis, 23, of Princess Street, Parkeston, who organised and took part in the dip, said she fashioned the costumes from boiler suits, socks and tinsel.

She said: “There were three of us in the water for about ten minutes.

“We went in twice in the end so it was quite refreshing – it was only afterwards that my feet were cold but it was colder out of the water than in it.

“It was not as bad as I thought it would be and there were people on the shore who were cheering us on.

“We want to thank everyone who came down and supported us - it was brilliant and they made it all worthwhile.”