HARDY swimmers plunged into the icy waters at St Bees beach to raise money for a good cause.

About one hundred people braved the cold for the annual New Year’s Day dip.

More than £460 was raised for the St Bees RNLI crew.

Adam Nichol helped organise the fundraiser through his running club, St Bees Triers.

He said: “This is the eighth year we’ve been doing it now.

“It’s about getting everybody involved - a bit of fun for everyone.”

The annual event was started by Adam’s wife, Emma Nichol, who enjoyed the same tradition on Christmas Day growing up in Wicklow, Ireland.

The couple now enjoy taking part in the dip over in Ireland on Christmas Day and then doing the same again in St Bees for New Year.

Adam continued: “I’d like to thank the RNLI who give us a hand every year.

“They open the station for us to use their facilities on the day and provide hot drinks after the dip.

“The RNLI crew provide a safe place in the sea and assess the water beforehand.”

Colin Wadey, press officer for St Bees RNLI, said: “It was a great turnout with £460 raised for the the crew.

“We would like to thank the St Bees Triers for organising this annual event and Whitehaven Coastguard, who along with our volunteers, supplied the safety cover.

“It was great to see so many people come along and join in or give moral support from the beach.

“All the money raised will go to the RNLI where needed to help save lives at sea.”