Hardy swimmers will take the plunge for charity this morning.

The Golden Sands Polar Bear Club are holding their annual dip in Whitehaven harbour at 11.30am.

People and groups from across West Cumbria, and beyond, take part to raise funds for a charity of their own choice.

Spokesman John O’Brien said: “We started off in 1998 for the Thorp fundraising group and as it got bigger people wanted to do it for their own charities.

“So now we call it the Golden Sands Polar Bear charity dip.”

Dippers can register and get changed at The Beacon from 10am onwards but under-16s must be accompanied by an adult.

The club is asking everyone who is going in the water to give a small donation to the RNLI and the Coastguard who use the dip as a training exercise and always help out.

There will be a prize for the best fancy dress and a warm-up at 11am at the Hub on the harbour.