BRAVING the weather, hundreds of bikini-clad women massed on a North-East beach yesterday.

The first Great North Bikini Challenge has been heralded a success by the organisers after an estimated 400 women turned out in their beachwear for the event.

Although the scantily clad crowd failed to beat Australia’s Bondi Beach record of 1,010, thousands of pounds were raised for the Great North Air Ambulance Service.

And while the women of the North-East failed to snatch the record from their Australian counterparts, they set an Upper Hemisphere record.

Amy, from Eston, near Middlesbrough, was one of the women taking part.

She said: “We are doing it for the laugh and to raise money for charity.

“We came like this, we’re going like this. We’re going to the pubs afterwards dressed like this.”

Emma, also from Eston, said: “Any excuse to get the bodies out.”

Hayley, from Acklam, near Middlesbrough, said: “It’s a great cause and it’s been a really good laugh as well. But it is is freezing.”

The event was the idea of Mike Robson, of Middlesbrough Erimus Rotary Club.

Mr Robson said: “I just thought it was an alternative way for a Rotary club to raise some money for charity.

“Traditionally, we’ve done dances, barbecues and quizzes – it’s all getting a bit staid.

“So I thought let’s do something different and this was certainly different. We haven’t broken the record and that’s disappointing.

“But in terms of raising the profile of Rotary and raising funds for the Great North Air Ambulance Service, it is early, but I expect to have made thousands of pounds and that is a fantastic result.”

Andy Griffiths, from the Great North Air Ambulance Service, praised the dedication of all those who turned out to support the event.

“It is a fantastic effort on such a cold day,” he said.

“It never fails to surprise me how much effort the people of the North-East put in to support us.”

To donate, call the Great North Air Ambulance Service on 01325-487263.