A CALL has been put out for hardy fundraisers to join in this year's White Christmas Dip.

The annual Christmas Day swim is back again this year, and will be marking their 10th anniversary raising money for the Macmillan Unit at Christchurch Hospital.

This year, organisers are hoping to see 1,000 people take part, raising £50,000 for the local palliative care unit.

And they want it to be a bumper year, with the seven founding members coming together once again to celebrate the event's success.

More than £100,000 has been raised since the event started in 2008.

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

The event will take place at the beach off Boscombe Pier at 10.30am.

Registration takes place from 9.45am.

Mr Baker said: "This will undoubtedly be a bumper year as we celebrate 10 years of raising money for a great cause.

"So this year for the first time we are encouraging all dippers to get a team together, co-ordinate your outfits and #themeyourteam.

"We are totally hopeful that this will be achievable if all dippers collect just £50 of sponsorship each. Get your friends, family, colleagues and neighbours to dig deep."

Neal Williams, trust secretary at Macmillan Caring Locally said: "In the last ten years referrals to the Macmillan Unit have tripled, and we have now outgrown our existing facility.

"We have been setting aside funds to build a new Macmillan Unit for many years and in 2017 we took the decision to launch an appeal to raise the remaining funds to enable us to build this new Unit at Christchurch Hospital. By joining us on Christmas Day you could help us make this a reality."

Sponsors for this year's Dip include Dale Homes and Investments. Preston Redman Solicitors, Churchfield Sales and Lettings and RJ Hull and Company.

Go to whitechristmasdip.co.uk for more information.