COURAGEOUS swimmers braved the shivering temperatures in Clacton this morning as part of an annual and festive tradition. 

Every year the renowned Christmas Day swim attracts hundreds of seasonal daredevils who collectively charge into the chilling North Sea at the stroke of 10am.

This year’s teeth-chattering event was no different, and saw hordes of dippers descend on the resort’s beaches before making a splash in the shockingly cold waters. 

Some opted to don wetsuits in a bid to keep the chill at bay, while others embodied the Christmas spirit by dressing up in Santa Claus outfits or quirky costumes.

Many supportive spectators - most of whom were prepped with drying towels and warming dressing gowns - also attended to cheer on their loved ones.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Simon Willis, Steve booth and Luke Willis took part in aid of Macmillan Cancer SupportSimon Willis, Steve booth and Luke Willis took part in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support

Steve Booth, from Clacton, took park in this year’s swim in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support raising more than £200.

He said: "What a great atmosphere and a great event that so many people got involved in.

"Although it was freezing, it was well worth doing to raise money for a well deserving charity and in memory of lost love ones."

To donate to Steve's fundraising efforts visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/steve-booth25.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Joanne Thorne, right, used the swim to raise money for the National Animal Welfare TrustJoanne Thorne, right, used the swim to raise money for the National Animal Welfare Trust

Also doing the swim for charity was Joanne Thorne, who works at the Clacton branch of National Animal Welfare Trust. 

She raised £332 for the Trust, and fittingly dressed up as a dog.

She said: "Thank you so much to everyone who sponsored me and as a result helped the centre continue it's work rescuing and re-homing abandoned and stray cats and dogs." 

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Alfred Russell, 8Alfred Russell, 8

One of the younger swimmers to take the plunge was inspiring Alfred Russell, 8.

Earlier this year he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, so decided he wanted to take part to raise money and awareness for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

His brilliant effort has resulted in more than £200 being raised for the charity. 

To sponsor Alfred visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/jnzqac-christmas-day-swim?utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer&utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&pc_code=ot_co_dashboard_a&rcid=74ba8d30c79d4db798b01e027fe08dcc

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Cancer survivor's Greg and Ruth PlantCancer survivor's Greg and Ruth Plant

Ruth Plant and husband Greg tackled the chilling temperatures in aid of Cancer Research UK.

They have both overcome bowel cancer and have previously taken part in the Relay For Life to raise money for the charity. 

Ruth said: "It was extremely cold but a great atmosphere with lots of people taking part.

"Lots of people in fancy dress which was nice to see and a few wearing charity tee shirts for various causes.

"We raised about £300 in sponsorship so all good."

The historic tradition blossomed back in the 1950s thanks to the Clacton Swimming Club, but it is believed to have first launched at the start of the 19th century.