HUNDREDS of brave souls charged into the sea at Redcar yesterday to raise funds for their favourite charities.

The traditional Boxing Day dip takes place every year and is organised by the Rotary Club of Redcar.

Those taking part can donate their sponsorship to their own chosen charities, but the Rotary Club charges a £10 registration fee for each dipper, to cover expenses.

Donations are also made to the organisations which help in the dip, including the RNLI, Coast Watch and Cleveland Mountain Rescue.

Any money left over is used to help local charities in Redcar.

Dippers were dressed in weird and wonderful fancy dress, including a man with a turkey on his head, numerous Santa outfits, and Wonder Woman.

Other dips took place at Longsands in Tynemouth and one of the biggest in the region was at Seaham near Sunderland, where about 1,000 hardy souls took to the water.

A dip was also held at Saltburn's Ship Inn, with hot soup and bacon butties after.