More than 100 charity sea swimmers braved a biting easterly wind to take the plunge today.

About 1,000 spectators cheered as they charged down Worthing Beach at Splash Point.

Most stayed in for only a few seconds during the annual Christmas dip, which raises thousands of pounds for hospital services.

This year proceeds will go to Worthing Hospital's new scanner appeal.

Among those taking part was Gabrielle Lynn, 61, of Mulberry Lane, Goring, Worthing, who had a liver transplant four-and-a-half years ago.

She said: “For me, it's payback time.”

Miss Lynn was joined by her Canadian friend, Marjorie Tobin, 57, from Saskatchewan, where temperatures are currently minus 35 degrees.

Denise McGrath, 39, of Cranmer Road, Worthing, stood in for the Mayor, councillor Christine Brown, and suffered a cut knee after being bowled over by the surf.

Kyle Budd, eight, a pupil at Mile Oak Primary School, Portslade, joined his gran, Jill Budd, 70, of Greenland Road, Worthing, and other members of his family, for the dip.

Mrs Budd said: “We have a close friend, Ray Jordan, in hospital being treated for cancer and we did it for him.”

Dr John Bull, who founded the event in 1982, arrived in his trademark green tracksuit, wearing a multi-coloured polka-dot bow tie for his 26th consecutive December 26 swim.

He was delighted by the bright blue sky and bitter cold, stating: “This is the weather that brings the crowds out.”