It's a chance for brave Hampshire swimmers to take to the water to raise cash for good causes.

A last call for entries for a chilly New Year’s Day swim in the Solent has been issued by Gosport & Fareham Inshore Rescue Service (GAFIRS).

Hundreds of people are expected to take the plunge for charity at noon on January 1. 

GAFIRS chairman Keith Thomas said: "The New Year's Day Swim is a great way for the local community to support the work our volunteers do to keep the Solent and surrounding waters safe.

"You don’t have to raise money for GAFIRS – we welcome support for all charities – however we would certainly be very grateful if swimmers did take a dip for us.

"This year GAFIRS has responded to 112 incidents and our crews are on 24-hour call out to the Coastguard, having put in more than 12,000 hours of unpaid work this year."

Registration for the event starts at 11am and all swimmers should arrive before 11.45am at the latest. 

The Gosport Lifeboat, the Joan Dora Fuller, will also launch and carry out a training exercise with the Coastguard 104 Rescue Helicopter, based at Lee-on-the-Solent.

Mr Thomas added: "The helicopter display will give swimmers and spectators a first hand look at the work our crews carry out throughout the year."

Hot drinks and food in exchange for a donation will be provided by the Fighting Cocks pub, where swimmers can also use the changing facilities.

The swim takes place at GAFIRS Lifeboat Station, Lifeboat Lane, Stokes Bay, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 2TR. 

Swimmers who would like to brave the cold water should log on to the independent lifeboat station’s website – gafirs.org.uk/new-years-swim – and fill the registration form out to ensure they receive a certificate on the day. 

Parking will be busy so if swimmers and spectators can walk, it is advisable.