A steady stream of people took to the water throughout the morning (December 25) at Weymouth harbour in southern England.

Similar events also took place at locations around the country, including Cornwall and Cheltenham.

Every year thousands of people line the harbour at Weymouth to witness this annual Lions event which has become a landmark event for the town. It all started back in 1948 as a bet between two friends, Dill Laker (Landlord of the Duke of Cornwall public house) and Reggie Bugler (a local taxi driver). It has grown over recent years to be a great way to raise much needed cash for local charities.
For those brave enough to suffer a Christmas morning dip, the 70 metre plus distance starts from the Cove on Trinity Road and finishes across the water opposite the harbour masters office on Custom House Quay. Swimmers are split into uo to 10 groups of 50, with some swimmers racing across the distance in just a few minutes. It’s estimated that spectator numbers were well over 2,000 last year and supported a total of 250+ determined swimmers. The whole event lasts less than an hour and many of those that take part then go on a enjoy a well earned pint with perhaps a turkey lunch in a local public house.