HARDY swimmers took to the North Sea for a bracing Christmas Day dip in Clacton.

More than 100 people raced into the water for the annual tradition, which takes place on the seafront at West Greensward.

Hundreds more watched the festive event from the safety of the promenade.

The tradition was first started by Clacton Swimming Club in 1953.

Swimmers, many wearing fancy dress, took the plunge at 10am on Christmas Day morning.