Southend RNLI is encouraging brave fundraisers to take part in a freezing cold dip in the Southend on New Year’s Day.

Participants can now sign up for the annual dip on Monday, January 1 by visiting the Southend RNLI website.

It costs £5 to take part and participants are then invited to fundraise further to support Southend RNLI. Fancy dress is also encouraged with those in the best costumes awarded prizes on the day. Funds raised will go towards the running of Southend RNLI Lifeboat Station.

Daniel Wanna, of Southend RNLI Activity Base, said: “After the success of the Boxing Day Dip in 2015 and 2016 we wanted to give people the chance to once again brave the cold in aid of Southend RNLI and make this an annual event in the Southend festive calendar.”