THRILLSEEKERS dressed as England footballers, superheroes and film characters were among those who braved the icy sea waters in the traditional New Year's Day dip.

Hundreds of people dashed and charged into the water at various points along the North Sea coast this morning either in an extravagant fancy dress outfit or a simple swimming costume.

The winter sunshine did not distract from the bitterly cold temperatures that awaited the brave souls who started 2019 in, for many, the now traditional way.

In Saltburn, some donned pink wigs, reindeer antlers and even Inbetweeners costumes and took the plunge into the water, along with their dogs, near the pier to raise funds for Saltburn Animal Rescue Association.

Onlookers, who looked significantly warmer wrapped up in coats, gathered on the pier to watch.

Hundreds more also took part in a New Year dip in Scarborough, including some dressed in onesies and rainbow outfits.