HUNDREDS of hardy souls braved the cold and howling wind to throw themselves into the Solent for charity.

The Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue Service (GAFIRS) event was inaugurated more than 30 years ago and more swimmers have turned up each year to take a dip in the freezing waters.

More than a thousand spectators warmed their hands in their pockets as friends, family and strangers ran into the sea, hurdling waves as they went.

Many swimmers dressed in costumes, with sharks, bears and lions spotted among the throng.

Debbie Milam, 41, of Southampton, said: "I did it for Cancer Research UK and I do lots of charity things but this is my first time doing this.

"It was very cold and the people in front created waves which were pretty big.

"It's just good to do something with everybody."

In total 351 swimmers took part, each raising cash for one of 20 different charities by submerging themselves in the 7°C water.

The New Year's Day tradition is held to raise money for GAFIRS and chairman Keith Thomas believes it has caught the imagination of the public.

He said: "I think people regard it as a bit of fun and people don't know that even in the summer it's cold."

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