Scores of Christmas Day revellers flocked to Brighton beach for the annual swim despite the event being cancelled.

Around 100 people gathered on the seafront to observe the traditional seaside plunge but were left disappointed when nobody entered the water.

The festive dip normally sees members of Brighton Swimming Club braving cold weather and icy waters in front of hundreds of spectators.

But Brighton and Hove City Council said yesterday it will be closing the stretch of beach after warnings of high winds and strong tides.

A spokesman from the Seaside Office said: "Unfortunately the swim was cancelled and safety barriers were erected as a result. I'm pleased to say everybody took our advice and didn't enter the water."

Last year a drowning man was rescued on Brighton beach in similar conditions and in 2007, 12 people were rescued, again when the weather was windy with treacherous waves.