A team of swimmers taking a dip in the chilly waters of Whitehaven harbour raised £1,154.98 for the West Cumberland Hospital's cancer unit.

Twenty five members of Copeland Amateur Swimming Club took part in the town's New Year's Eve dip and they were keen to give something back to the community by doing it.

With the sponsor money all collected in, members visited the ward to hand over their cheque.

The club has selected the Henderson Suite as its charity for the year as many club members have family or friends who have needed its services.

Secretary Allyson Quayle said: "We are aware of the importance of this local facility, allowing patients and their families treatment and support close to home.

"We were delighted to raise a super amount of money for this very worthy cause and our swimmers were proud to be able to visit the Henderson Suite to hand over the cheque themselves.

"The Henderson suite have told us that this will be used to “maintain the high standard of patient care and enable them to purchase new equipment.”