Boxing Day swimmers in festive fancy dress brave freezing waters as they take the plunge in the North Sea
- People from all walks of life were seen in their best fancy dress today as they rushed into the freezing sea
- Many donned quirky costumes such as mermaids and unicorns while most simple turned up in swim suits
- It marked the 45th event to be held in the North Sea which sees many raising money for their chosen charities
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Hundreds of brave festive revellers dared to dip their toe in the icy North Sea today as they took part in the annual Boxing Day swim.
People from all walks of life were seen in their best fancy dress as they rushed into the freezing sea in Sunderland.
Some even came along with their pets, with many dressing them up in festive outfits, while others also came dressed as penguins.
It marked the 45th event organised by the city’s Lions Club and onlookers witnessed festive scenes of a Santa Claus and turkey running into the rough sea to raise money for their chosen charities.
Among the other quirky costumes to be seen were mermaids, lobsters, whoopie cushions, cakes and a group of flapper girls all battling the bitter wind this morning.
These men donned red shorts as they ran into the sea while one woman was seen wearing a black swimsuit decorated with festive baubles
This group thought penguin costumes would be the best bet for their swim and even bought their dog along for the fun
People of all ages were seen running into the water today in their festive outfits, while others opted for simply swim suits
This adorable dog had clearly come dressed for the occasion and its owner had attached a Santa plush toy to its harness
People pulled out all the stops for the festivities and one man donned a unicorn outfit (left) while another opted for a bull (right)
Cries could be heard as the brave fundraisers of all ages dashed into the sea while huge crowds looked on.
Jim Nicol, 70, the Treasurer of Sunderland Lions Club and a retired finance worker, who lives in Sunderland, said: ‘We are really proud of what we do, it has been going for a long time.
‘People are very appreciative that we put this event on for them because it allows them to raise money.’
Jim, whose club provides financial and service support to the local community, added: ‘I think there is an element of madness about the people who run in the sea.
‘But they are overcoming the cold because they care about what they are doing and what they are supporting.’
Santa Claus is coming to town! Two people were seen dressed in Santa outfits including beards as they braved the chilly sea
Many took the opportunity to wear their festive clothes while other turned up in a viking outfit and a cardboard ship