BRAVE swimmers who took to chilly waters on Boxing Day in aid of a long-standing community centre have shared the amount raised by their efforts.

Fundraisers entered the sea for a festive dip to raise cash for The Ark Centre.

A JustGiving page was set up in anticipation of the event and had surpassed the £1,000 mark.

Around 50 to 60 swimmers took part on the day.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Service - The Ark CentreService - The Ark Centre (Image: N/A)

Former councillor Geoff Smith helped put the swim together, along with Nick May, owner of The Alma Inn and The Ark Centre manager Claire Bridges.

Mr Smith said: “After dropping off the last of the cash donations this morning, I'm really pleased to say we managed to raise a whopping £1,171 pounds for The Ark Centre in Harwich. 

“A massive thank you to everyone who contributed to that total and to all the swimmers who took part in the Boxing Day Charity Swim.”