West Cumbrians braved the cold for two traditional dips in the sea to raise cash for charity.

Dozens of people dressed as pirates, clowns and bumble bees marked the start of the new year at Allonby beach, while others said goodbye to 2017 by jumping into the sea at Whitehaven Golden Sands.

Spectators gathered at Allonby beach for the second New Year's Day Dook to raise money for Maryport Inshore Rescue, which were at the event.

Helen Gilmore, 61, of Allonby, who helped organise the event and also took part in it for the second time, said: "I'm beyond words, it was amazing. The turnout was great and if it hadn't been for all these people turning up I would have never jumped into the water.

"I think it's a very life-affirming thing to do. When I did it last year for the first time I thought it was the best thing I'd ever done. My daughter in law told me I was very brave because I was prepared to do it again despite knowing what it was like. Last year the weather was glorious, not so much this year, but the difficult bit isn't getting into the water because you're full of adrenaline and people are cheering you on. It's getting passed the moment when you can't breathe and getting out of the water that's difficult."

Tyler Lee Irving, 18, of Allonby, was also one of the brave participants. He said: "It was freezing, I couldn't breathe but it was worth it, I'll definitely do it again next year."

Sisters-in-law Margaret and Sheilagh Martin, 58 and 62, ran into the water dressed as angels.

Sheilagh, of Allonby, said: "It's the first time we did it, we thought it would be a good way to start the year."

Margaret, of Abbeytown, added: "I think the Maryport Inshore Rescue is a good cause to support."

Mike Messenger, station officer at the charity, said: "We're here helping out and providing safety cover. The support of these people is very much appreciated by all the team and hopefully we'll be here again next year."

The big waves made it a little difficult for people to get out of the water smoothly, with some of them tumbling as they tried to reach the beach.

And spectators also got their feet wet as they waited for their friends and family to get out of the sea to hand them towels and blankets.

Martin Bedrock, 58, of Allonby, said: "It's exhilarating, electrifying. I took part last year too because it's a good event and it's great to raise money for such a worthy charity."

Joe Kewin, 68, of Allonby, is the mind behind the event.

He said: "Maryport Inshore Rescue deserves all the money we can get, after all we're in the water and they provide us with safety especially on such a cold day."

Around one hundred people jumped in the sea at Whitehaven Golden Sands on New Year's Eve.

Hundreds of spectators gathered to watch people in fancy dress braving the cold and the wind to say goodbye to 2017.

Organiser Andrew Sloan, 52, of Whitehaven, said: "It was excellent, it went down really well with the crowd and a lot of money was raised for charity."

Each participant raised money for their chosen charity and Andrew said the event, which has been taking place for 20 years, brings in the region of £30,000 to around 20 charities each year.

Andrew added: "The coastguard and the RNLI were both there and we're very grateful for their support.

"This was the coldest I can ever remember it. We've been in when there's been ice and snow but it was never this cold."

Each year organisers invite a celebrity to open the event.

Andrew said: "This year was even more special because we had our very own celebrity Gary McKee, who was nominated for a Pride of Britain Award for running 100 marathons in 100 days. We all know Gary and it was brilliant to have him there."

Gary McKee, 48, of Cleator Moor, said: "It's a good community based event and people do get behind it.

"It seems like nothing but to brave the water takes some doing, it's remarkable. In fact I was quite happy where I was, it was nice to be warm and dry."