Thousands of swimmers take part in Festive swims

Hundreds more spectators gathered in support of these brave individuals, cheering them on and encouraging their Christmas spirit.

In Tenby, around 700 swimmers took to the water in their festive fashion attire, taking part in one of the country’s biggest festive events. While the official Boxing Day swim on North Beach is now in its 46th year, it is a tradition which dates back 100 years. You can find out more and see some of the great images on the BBC News website.

Swimmers in Aldeburgh in Suffolk also made use of the warmest sea temperatures in 20 years. Over 100 swimmers were greeted by sunshine, with some 400 spectators on the side lines watching the merriment. Around £2,000 will be raised for charity as a result of this swim. Check out the pictures from Aldeburgh here.

In the North East, there were three swims which took place on Boxing Day. Hardy individuals gathered on beaches in Northumberland, Tyneside and Sunderland before taking the plunge in their festive getups. You can view the full story here.

Across the country, the weather on New Years Day was very mixed, but that didn’t stop people heading to the water.

Around 100 people dressed up in fancy dress costumes to take part in the annual New Year’s Swim in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside. While at the other end of the country, over 500 people took part in The Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue Service Solent New Year’s Day Swim, raising money for GAFIRS, Gosport’s independent lifeboat station, and 21 other charities.

If you took part in a festive swim over the Christmas period, share your pictures with us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram using #FestiveSwim

• Read about the BBC’s new idents, which launched with open water swimming on New Years Day.