WHILE many of us will be settling in for another day of food, drink and telly tomorrow, a number of plucky islanders will be hurling themselves into the freezing North Sea in the name of charity.

The West Mersea tradition began in 2005 and has seen hundreds of chilly people take the plunge to raise some cash and burn off a few Christmas calories on December 26. 

And while emerging from the sea on a winter's morning wearing a Batman costume might not be your idea of Boxing Day fun (fancy dress is optional), brave participants have helped raise thousands of pounds for the RNLI lifeboat over ten years.

So that's got to be worth it...hasn't it? 

Have a flick through our pictures of the Boxing Day dip since 2010 from the warmth and comfort of your sofa. 

Merry Christmas!

  • The 11th West Mersea Boxing Day dip will take place tomorrow at 11am on Mersea beach