More than a dozen swimmers braved freezing temperatures to take to the sea at Clevedon for the annual New Year's Day swim.

Fifteen diehards from the Middle Yeo Surf Lifesaving Club, dressed as schoolboys and girls, took part in the charity event which was watched by hundreds of people who packed on to the beach and promenade.

Veteran simmer Len Hurley said because of the cold winter weather, the sea was the coldest it had been for 20 years at just 6C.

Mr Hurley said: "At this time of year the water is usually around 9c but the temperature is only 6c.

"It is the coldest it has been for at least two decades. It has been colder in the past and down to just 1C and I can remember in the Eighties having to break the ice at Marine Lake with spades before we could get in."

The event kicked off with swimmers having a lesson in a makeshift classroom on the beach.

Teacher – aka lifesaving club member Michelle Whitlock – led the lesson, making her pupils sing and dance to Here We Go Round The Mulberry Bush and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.

The crowds cheered as the swimmers peeled off their fancy dress to reveal their cossies and made a dash for the icy water.

The oldest swimmer to take part on the day was Roy Thomas, aged 84, of Gardens Road, Clevedon.

Mr Thomas, a retired project manager, has been sea swimming since he was 28-years-old after starting when he had a holiday caravan in Devon.

He now swims most days in the channel off the beach at Clevedon.

Mr Thomas said: "I had a hearty breakfast to get me ready and warmed up for the swim.

"It was cold, but you get used to it and swimming in the sea is a wonderful way to stay fit and I would recommend it to anyone."

Fellow swimmer Georgina Rose, 71, of Clevedon, has been taking part in the swim for the last 10 years.

Mrs Rose said: "It was very cold.

"When you get out of the water you feel marvellous – it really pumps you up for the day."

A collection was made on the day and all money raised will go to the Cleft Palette in Children charity.

Organiser, Rose Hurley, who is also a sea swimmer, said: "The swim is a great way for people to blow away the cobwebs on a cold winter morning."

Swimmers were warmed up after their dip with a feast of hot haggis and baked potatoes on the beach.