ALMOST 300 plucky swimmers took the plunge into the cold water for the annual Weymouth Harbour Christmas Day Swim in a record-breaking year.

Thousands of people bathed in winter sunshine lined the harbourside to witness 274 swimmers, some in festive-themed fancy dress, brave the water to swim across the harbour.

The total of 274 swimmers is the biggest number of participants to have ever signed up to the event, which is organised by the Weymouth and Portland Lions Club, and Weymouth and Portland Mayour Cllr Kate Wheller launched the event at 11am.

The watching crowd were also kept entertained by pantomime stars Lee Redwood (Widow Twankey) and Paul Ewen (Wishee Washee) who sailed along the harbour.

Mark Lockie, from the Weymouth and Portland Lions Club, said: “We had the largest ever number of swimmers this year, which is 30 up on the number from last year.

“It all went off very smoothly, we only had one minor casualty and they recovered very quickly but apart from that it was great and went very smoothly.

“We are all very impressed by the number of swimmers that turned up and the crowd was very jolly.

“I would also like to thank the lifeguards, the harbour master, the Freedom and Enchantress vessels, the Weymouth Canoe lifeguards, and the covering paramedics for all of their help in the event.”

Among those taking part, Sally Dench and six of her family and friends took to the water in memory of her late son Daniel, who died aged 36 after suffering an epileptic shock.

The group also used the swim to raise money for Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) Action, and Mrs Dench said: “It’s a nice way to remember him.

“He was going to do this swim a few years ago but he had to cancel because his daughter Holly was born, so it’s nice to do something he was going to do.

“He was one of life’s givers, he was always the first to donate and I’m sure if he was still here he would have done it, and I bet he’s just laughing at us now doing it!”

Yasmin Fulbrook, Kelley Ireland and Hayla Blacknell, all from Weymouth, all dressed as giant Christmas Puddings for the swim, as the friends took part in the swim for the 10th year.

Ms Fulbrook said: “Every year we do it in fancy dress and this year we thought it would be good to do it as Christmas Puddings.

“It’s a great event, it’s lovely seeing your friends and with lots of other people taking part it’s a real community feel. It just makes it a bit more Christmassy.”

Dick Mallinson, 76, was taking part in the swim for the 29th year. He said: “I have been a sea swimmer for years, I’m not very good but I’m regular.

“It’s very good this year, the weather has been great, the water is good and it’s just a very nice event.”

To view all of our pictures from the event, click here