Hardy souls braved the ice and cold to dip their feet into the Cumbrian sea.

The annual dips were held in Whitehaven to see out 2016, and in St Bees to herald the start of a new year.

More than 100 took part at Whitehaven Harbour yesterday - many in fancy dress, helping to raise cash for a host of worthy causes, including the ongoing appeal for the triplets of a tragic Whitehaven woman who died suddenly.

The event is now in its 18th year.

Among those who braved the sea - in his case for the first time - was Paul Pater, station officer with Whitehaven Coastguard.

He said: "I've supported this event over the years and when I was challenged to do it last year I agreed. It's fairly cool, but the water will be very, very cold.”

Another of the brave bathers was John O'Brien, who helped found the popular event 18 years ago after taking part in a similar New Year's Eve dip at St Bees in 1997.

He said: “Over the years, it has grown and grown. It's now the fourth biggest event of its kind in the country. The only time we didn't do it on time was when the sea here froze over.”

Scores of people turned out to day to watch.

The other good causes to benefit included the mental health charity Mind; the RNLI Workington Shannon Appeal, which is raising £150,000 to help pay for a new lifeboat; and the recently launched appeal for the triplets of Rachel Park.

The 39-year-old died suddenly just a week after she and her husband Steven brought home from hospital their adored nine-month old daughters Poppie, Mollie and Evelyn.

Today's St Bees event saw about 70 people shiver in 2017, with many more lining the coast to watch them.

*See Monday's News & Star for a photo special covering both events