Pictures: Hundreds take a Boxing Day dip at West Bay Wallow

Hundreds of spectators watched on from the piers as the swimmers, predominantly in fancy dress, took part in the West Bay Wallow, a traditional Boxing Day swim.

The event is organised annually to raise money for a different charity each year.

This year the Boxing Day event was raising money for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, with around 150 participants involved.

More swimmers were seen this year due to the pleasant weather in West Bay, with the temperature around 10C. 

Participant Sharon Hebdidge said: “It’s my first go at the swim this year. I have family down here and I wanted to see what it was like and make an effort, it’s so nice to be a part of it.”

Sam and Thomas Greenwood were down in Bridport visiting their mother, Robyn Greenwood, for the Christmas period when they decided to brace the frosty conditions and give the Boxing Day dip a try.

Sam said: “It’s the first year that we’re doing this, but we’re hoping to make it a tradition in the future for sure.”

Amber Austin said she does the attends events like these for ‘the buzz.’ She said: “It’s great, especially being part of the community. I did this last year and a few other events- they’re amazing!”

James Rooney from the Bridport Round Table said: “This year we’ve had a turn out of 150 which is a good to see- and everyone seems to have very much enjoyed the day.

“We’ve raised quite a lot of money, around an average of £1,500 as expected, which we’re looking forward to giving over to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance," he added. 

This is the second year in a row that the event has been held since taking a short hiatus since 2018 due to Covid, and Mr Rooney said there are plans to continue the event next year.

He said: “We're planning the same again, bigger and better- everyone is welcome and let’s hope for some good weather again.