Thousands of thrill seekers bared all and went skinny dipping on the Northumberland Coast this morning, as the annual North East Skinny Dip took place to mark the Autumn Equinox on Sunday (September 25) morning.

Taking place at Druridge Bay in Northumberland, countless people flocked to the popular tourist spot this morning – but it wasn’t to lay on the beach or go for a walk.

In what was brisk and bracing conditions on the coast, thousands of people were seen stripping off and making their way into the sea, while others could be seen standing on the sand.

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Despite the skinny dippers taking to Druridge Bay – there is a purpose for doing this.

As well as the participants marking the Autumn Equinox, it was also a chance for the North East Skinny Dip to raise money for mental health charity MIND.

On the event’s charity page, a post reads: “North East Skinny Dip is an established and popular annual mass skinny dip which takes place on Druridge  Bay in Northumberland.

*NOTE - There are depictions of nudity in the images.

Here are some of the photos from Druridge Bay: 

The Northern Echo: PA MEDIAPA MEDIA (Image: PA MEDIA)

The Northern Echo: PA MEDIAPA MEDIA (Image: PA MEDIA)

The Northern Echo: PA MEDIAPA MEDIA (Image: PA MEDIA)

The Northern Echo: PA MEDIAPA MEDIA (Image: PA MEDIA)

Pictures: PA MEDIA

“It is a celebration of life, of nature, and of our own, unique bodies.

“It is about taking a risk and embracing a moment of pure joy and freedom. And, perhaps most importantly, it is about coming together and supporting each other in this crazy thing called life.”

The post went on to say that there “is no better way to celebrate the Autumn Equinox than stripping down to skin at sunrise and running wild and free into the North Sea”.

This year’s event also marked the tenth anniversary of the regional skinny dip, with 850 people turning up last year.

However, this year’s event was bigger and better – with over 1000 thought to have attended.

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