Hardy swimmers are getting ready to brave the icy waters of the Irish Sea at a New Year’s Eve dip.

The annual event in Whitehaven raises between £25,000 and £30,000 for charity each year.

This year, it will take place in the afternoon due to tide timings and advice of the RNLI and coastguard

The charity event, hosted by the Polar Bear Club, will get under way on the Golden Sands near The Beacon museum at 3.30pm.

A warm-up led by Tina Spedding will be held at the Hub on the harbour at 3pm, then entrants will walk to the Golden Sands at 3.15pm.

Changing facilities will be available in the toilets at the Beacon cafe from 2pm. Free hot drinks will be available for all dippers with a valid hand stamp after they’ve been in the sea at the Boathouse Cafe, underneath the Beacon.

The dip is open and free to enter for anyone. Those taking part can raise cash for their own chosen charities but buckets are not allowed.

The event organisers will have collection buckets for the RNLI and the coastguard who will be in attendance.

Entrants are asked to give a small donation to the two bodies who are giving up their time for the swimmers' safety.

Disclaimers will be on The Golden Sands Polar Bear Club Facebook page and these must be submitted by 5pm on December 30.

Anyone going in the water who is under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Prizes will be awarded for the best fancy dress costumes.

There will be free parking for the event between 2.30 and 5pm at Quay Street Car Park has been permitted by Copeland Council and the Whitehaven Harbour Commissioner.

Alternatively, there is parking at the council’s Beacon car park from 3pm onwards.

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