NEARLY £40,000 has been raised as part of this year's White Christmas Dip for the Macmillan Unit at Christchurch Hospital.

The biggest ever event saw fundraisers £38,000 for Macmillan Caring Locally.

Around 800 people took the plunge into the chilly sea at Boscombe Pier to support and raise money for Macmillan Caring Locally on Christmas Day.

The 2017 event celebrated the 10th anniversary of the White Christmas Dip, bringing together a record number of fundraisers on Boscombe beach.

This year, supporters have so far succeeded in raising £38,000 for charity, however, donations are still open to anyone who wishes to help reach the organisers’ goal of £50,000.

All funds raised go directly to Macmillan Caring Locally, helping to develop and maintain their palliative care service at Christchurch Hospital.

The funds raised will help Macmillan to continue its activity and build the new palliative unit at the Christchurch Hospital.

The charity’s expansion at the Christchurch Hospital is vitally needed as the demand for services has increased considerably in the past few years.

Tom Baker, founder of the event said: “Every year the support is fantastic.

"With the event’s 10th anniversary, we have managed to raise £38,000 so far for this beloved charity.

"We have a little more to go and we hope that members of the public will help us achieve our goal to mark this special anniversary.

"Huge thanks to everyone who attended the dip, helping us raise our current total. Together we’re confident we can reach the fantastic £50K mark.”

Neal Williams, trust secretary of Macmillan Caring Locally added: “The funds raised the team since 2008 have helped us provide specialist palliative care to many people from the local area.

"This year’s total is a record amount, which will be put to immediate use providing care and support to our patients and their families.

"I would like to offer our sincere gratitude to Tom, John, their volunteer team, the corporate sponsors and everyone who took part for a hugely successful event.”

To donate, go to whitechristmasdip.co.uk.