Screams - and not all of them joyful - echoed across West Bay harbour today as 116 stalwart bathers took part in the annual Boxing Day Wallow.

The water was freezing but the sun came out to provide perfect conditions for the event organised by Bridport Round Table.

Thousands of cheering spectators poured in to the Bay to ring the harbour and give the Wallowers a countdown before they stepped off the slipway and into the sea.

Many of the swimmers were in fancy dress and Bridport mayor Coun Maggie Ray, accompanied by consort Martin Ray and a team of judges gave their verdict on the best dressed.

Winners in the adult category were Chris Miles and Jess Old and Oliver Bretherin and Kirsty Newsome took the youngsters' prizes.

The event is organised by Round Tablers as a fun antidote to Christmas over-indulgence.

Wallowers could raise money for their own favourite charities and there was a bucket shake among the crowd, undertaken by members of the Bridport Bandits and local Sea Cadets.

Organiser Simon Miles said the weather had been on their side after the storms earlier in the week.

“It couldn't have been better, “ he said.

“And it's really great to see so many people coming out to support the Wallow.”