ANNUAL Boxing Day dips are set to take place along the North-East coast again this year.

People will brave the elements to enter the water at Seaburn, near Sunderland, Seaton Carew, near Hartelpool and Redcar.

Thousands line the seafronts to watch the spectacle with many of those taking part returning year after year to join in the fun.

The number of dippers is usually affected by the weather on the day but the event will run come rain or shine.

Standing by with the foil blankets and first aid equipment will be the well wrapped up volunteers from St John Ambulance Northumbria to make sure the charity event goes swimmingly for the organisers and participants.

John Purvis, the operations co-odinator for St John Ambulance Northumbria, said: "The dippers are encouraged to have a quick paddle then run back up the beach for a hot drink, warm blankets and a warm-up.

"It's really not the time of year for a leisurely swim but the Boxing Day Dip is great fun and a very popular local event."

The Seaburn event, now in its 33rd year, is organised by Sunderland Lions and starts at 10am.

Hartlepool Lions will be marking its 36th Boxing Day Dip this year, and so far 376 people have registered to take part.

The event will take place from the Seaton Carew Social Club, in Station Lane, Seaton Carew, near Hartlepool.

The annual parade to the sea will start at 11.30am.

This year's Middlesbrough Teesside Lions Club Boxing Day dip takes place at the slipway near Redcar Lifeboat Station with people taking the plunge at 11am.

Registration and changing will now take place in The Barracuda Bar on Redcar High Street.