Hundreds brave seas for charity

Hundreds of swimmers braved the seas for charity

More than 350 hardy swimmers took to the seas for a Christmas Day swim at a south Wales resort.

Organisers hailed the festive charity dip in Porthcawl as the "most successful swim ever" after 100 more swimmers than last year braved the waters.

Many of those taking part sported fancy dress for the event, in Sandy Bay.

Many swam in fancy dress

An estimated 3,000 spectators were there to cheer them on.

Secretary of the Swim Committee, Stan Howells, said: "This has been our most successful swim ever.

"The number of people that turned up, both spectators and swimmers was fantastic."

Veteran swimmer Ian Stroud, 55, of Porthcawl, added: "The atmosphere this year was very special.

"After the recent poor weather, to have such a mild sunny day, perfect conditions were created that saw more people in the water then on most sunnier days."

The event was preceded by a parade with carol singers and Santa.

The swim took place in unseasonably warm weather

Causes to benefit will include Newton Primary School Parent Teachers' Association and Porthcawl Lifeguard Club.

And a record number of swimmers took part in the annual Boxing Day dip at the west Wales resort of Tenby.

More than 400 took part in the charity plunge.