THOUSANDS of people are needed to take part in this year's White Christmas Dip for charity.

Organisers of the popular Christmas Day event are calling for people to sign up - in an attempt to make it the biggest yet.

They are aiming for 1,000 people to charge into the chilly waters at Boscombe, following the success of last year's event.

This will be the ninth year the event has been running, with more than £100,000 raised for the Macmillan ward at Christchurch Hospital since it started.

Now backed by the charity, Macmillan Caring Locally, which is not linked to the national Macmillan Cancer Support, the event has grown dramatically over the years.

Founder and organiser Tom Baker said; "This year will be our ninth year of charging into the sea.

"We are keener than ever to get more people to do something crazy this Christmas and join in for a festive Christmas morning dip in aid of Macmillan Caring Locally.

"Having now raised more than £100,000 for the local charity we are constantly aiming to ensure the event keeps on growing.

"We are now confident that our Christmas Day dip is the largest in the country, so please join in the fun and sign up today at whitechristmasdip.co.uk."

Last December more than 750 people gathered to take part in the event and succeeded in raising £35,000.

Macmillan Caring Locally funds enhanced care in an attractive, homely environment for patients, their families and visitors.

They also provide funds for nursing and medical equipment to improve patient treatment and comfort.

The inspiration for the event was Tom’s uncle, John White, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2008.

Participants wear fancy dress, with organisers encouraging weird and wacky costumes, and of course festive attire.

You can follow them on Twitter @whitexmasdip or on Facebook facebook.com/whitechristmasdip.