DOGS and their owners made a splash for an animal sanctuary appeal, boosted by record crowds.
About 25 people - and ten dogs - went for a New Year's Day dip in the North Sea at Saltburn, east Cleveland, to raise money for the Saltburn Animal Rescue Association (Sara).
A record number of spectators watched the event from the beach and thronged the sides of the town's historic pier.
Sara spokeswoman Sheila Green said: "There were an awful lot of people on the beach. A lot more people came to watch this year - many more than last year."
Anne Prosser is chairwoman of Sara, which is raising funds to open an animal shelter, at which strays will only be destroyed if they are seriously ill.
She said: "Everyone - including the dogs - thoroughly enjoyed it. It was lovely. Even the sun came out. And there were lots of people present - they are so supportive.''
Dogs and puppies in the care of Sara and the Save Our Strays group will be on view, and looking for a new home, at the Bandstand, Saltburn, on Saturday.
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