THE eighth White Christmas Dip will take place at Boscombe beach on Christmas Day.

Organisers are hoping more than 750 people will join them this year to raise funds for Macmillan Caring Locally.

The event, organised in aid of the palliative care service at Christchurch Hospital, last year saw 600 people don fancy dress for the plunge into the chilly waters.

The swim has become a regular event on the festive calendar, growing in size over the years.

Started in 2008 by the Baker family, the event has become a tradition over the years for many supporters of the unit at Christchurch Hospital.

It rapidly gained local interest and in 2013 the charity made it one of their official events.

Founder Tom Baker said: "Year on year the amount of people joining in the fun and the amount of money raised has been rising at quite a rate, and last year we raised almost £30,000.

"This year’s dip should see us reach the total of £100,000 over years.

"But we won’t reach this target without getting other families to join in the fun and taking the plunge with us on Christmas Day morning.

"If you don’t think this is for you, why not come down and cheer us on? It is quite a scene. We guarantee it’ll be fun for the whole family."

The event will take place on the beach to the right of Boscombe Pier at 9.45am.

For more information go to whitechristmasdip.co.uk.