ONE in five fundraisers who volunteered for a freezing Boxing Day plunge backed out on the day.

They had promised to brave the icy waters at Seaburn Beach, in Sunderland, to raise money for charity.

But out of more than 1,000 people who registered to take the plunge, only 794 turned up.

Sunderland Lions Club member Paul Jones, who helped organise the event, said: "Just over 1,000 people applied and registered, but on the day there was just under 800 who took part.

"I think people often sign up with good intentions, but the cold weather puts them off.

"This year was difficult because it was extremely cold, the tide was right in and the sea was particularly rough, so I think quite a lot of people did not even get in as far as they might have gone in previous years.

"I think this year all of the dippers who took part have done very well. So far, there has been more than £56,000 pledged. That is the same as was collected last year and there was more people taking part then."

The Lions expect to raise a record £62,000 from the event.