BRAVE swimmers will be taking an icy dip in the sea on Christmas Day for charity.

Residents are being encouraged to bring their “wetsuits, swimsuits or birthday suits” to the beach for a festive swim.

The chilly morning dip is starting at 10am on the beach in front of Harwich Town Sailing Club.

The event is organised by the Alma Inn, in King’s Head Street, Harwich.

Nick May, landlord of the Alma Inn, has held the frosty swim on New Year’s Day in the past few years, but has decided to host it on Christmas Day due to potential problems with the tides this New Year’s Day.

Mr May said: “The swim is on Christmas Day morning.

“I have opened a Just Giving page as the money raised from the swim will go towards St Helena Hospice.

“Bring your wetsuits, swimsuits or birthday suits to the beach.”

About 70 people made a dash for the waves at last year’s swim, and Mr May hopes a similar number of people will take part in next Wednesday’s swim.

There are normally various cold water swimmers who get involved with the dip as well as first timers.

Mr May added: “Cold water dipping is very good for the heart, the soul and everything.”

Mr May, who takes part in the event yearly, said staff from the Alma Inn try and stay in the sea for about ten minutes.

The water on the day is expected to be about nine degrees Celsius.

The charity the swimmers raise money for changes each year, and last year money was raised in aid of the deaf-blind charity Sense.

So far £190 has been raised in aid of St Helena Hospice for this year’s event.

To donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/harwich-beach-christmas-dip.