CLUB swimmers braved the chill during a dip in the sea despite plunging autumnal temperatures.

Members of Panama Swimming Club, which is based in Whitley Bay, were spotted taking the plunge in the North Sea yesterday.

The stormy weather and giant waves battering the North Tyneside coast was not enough to put off a handful of hardy individuals, who went in dressed only in swimming costumes.

The club, which has been based in Whitley Bay since 1930, organises group sea swimming all year round, in all weathers.

Forecasters have predicted that Arctic winds and ice could blast Britain this winter, with meteorologists saying that December and January could be colder than usual.

Dr Todd Crawford, chief meteorologist at The Weather Company, said: “We expect the coldest winter in the UK since 2012-13.

“We expect extended spells with a ridge of pressure in the North Atlantic, especially in early winter.

“This forces the jet stream up to the Arctic and back down into Europe, releasing Arctic high pressure from near the Pole directly into northern Europe, with colder-than-normal temperatures.”

The company has predicted a mild November.