New Year's Day swim at Clevedon

Long distance swimmer Steve Price led the annual parade dressed as a biblical Noah to Marine Lake on Clevedon seafront.

It was the traditional New Year's Day morning dip organised by Middle Yeo Surf Life Saving Club.

Mr Price who wore a brown smock and big white beard sang The Animals Went In Two By Two as he made his way to the shoreline.

He was accompanied by the largest group in the 20-year history of the swim which this year was raising money for the animal charity Secret World.

Approximately 30 swimmers braved the bracing conditions.

Film producer Geoff Hale was on hand to video the event for Clevedon News and his documentary will be available later this month by clicking HERE.

The swimmers arrived sporting animal headgear, fashionable cow print 'onesies' and leopard skin pants.

Before diving in to the numblingly cold Bristol Channel waters in front of hundreds of spectators all joined in a rendition of Auld Lang Syne.

Volunteers from the Somerset animal rescue centre brought two tame owls for the event.

This year's oldest swimmer was Joyce Peters, who is in her 80s, while the youngest was Gary Carpenter, aged 20.

Organiser Rose Hurley, who dressed as a Polar bear, said: "It was absolutely fantastic – I would say the best one we have ever had.

"The weather was just amazing. 

"The water was warmer than usual as well. 

"We have had a wet year, but it hasn't been that cold.

"People dressed up as all sorts of animals including pussy cats, tiger, reindeer, bat and a crocodile.

"The crowd was terrific and gave us lots of support. 

"We like to entertain them, it makes a great day out.

"Pauline Kidner, of Secret World Wildlife Centre, dived straight in and put us all to shame.

"Afterwards we all warmed up with hot tomato soup and have a few well-earned drinks at the Salthouse pub.

"It was great that the pub allowed us to get changed there and parade down there – it made it more of a spectacle for everyone.

"I just want to say a big thank you to everyone who took part and to everyone who came and supported us – it was absolutely brilliant."

For more photos click HERE.