It was a joyful return as hundreds of Christmas costume-clad swimmers took part in the White Christmas Dip at Boscombe this year.

The annual Christmas Day sea dip at Boscombe beach attracted hundreds of entrants.

Last year, the event was not able to take place due to the pandemic and restrictions at the time.

But on a cold, wet and grey Christmas morning, loyal participants, families and friends turned out in force to support the dip, which raises funds for Macmillan Caring Locally.

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From turkeys, to Christmas puddings and Christmas trees and many, many Santa outfits, costumes brightened up a drizzly morning.

Mayor of Bournemouth, Cllr David Kelsey also turned out in support.

This year, the event was registration only to ensure safety amid Covid.

However, crowds of people still turned out to support the 'swimmers', lining Boscombe Pier to watch and listen to the screams as people hit the waves.

Macmillan Caring Locally, trust secretary, Neal Williams said: "It was touch and go as to whether we could go ahead and allow the event to take place in the past few days.

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"But we are so pleased we could.

"We know we've kept everyone safe and it's been so lovely to be back.

"People clearly are very keen to get out and do something, and it's great they are raising funds for Macmillan Caring Locally.

"We thought people might not turn up but it's a safe environment and we are not far off record numbers."

Speaking about the value of the funds raisd from the event, Mr Williams said: "We have had a tough year but people have continued to be very generous.

"We need to keep going; the funds will go towards the building of the new hospice.

"We had to delay during the pandemic but we have the best possible care, and we need the best environment now."