A host of good causes have received a share of £10,000 raised by hardy swimmers and their supporters during the Lowestoft Christmas Day Swim.

The money was formally presented to ten Lowestoft and Waveney charities by town mayor Nick Webb.

The beneficiaries include Waveney Gymnastics Club, Pathways Care Farm, Waveney Deaf Children's Society, Marina Theatre Trust, Lowestoft Thursday Club, Ollie's Heroes, Brian Gallagher Football Fund, Lowestoft Lions, Lowestoft Lifeguard Volunteer Corp and the Lowestoft branch of St Johns Ambulance.

Mr Webb said: 'The Lowestoft Christmas Day Swim really brings the community together.

'It is a real privilege to be part of it and to be able to present these cheques to these really worthy local causes.'

The swim is organised and supported by Sentinel Leisure Trust, HM Coastguard, The Lowestoft Volunteer Lifeguard Corps, The Lowestoft Lions, St John Ambulance and The Hotel Hatfield.

This year more than 200 people took part with about 2,500 supporters.

Stuart Everett, managing director of Sentinel Leisure Trust, said 'I must thank all involved who generously donated their time and resource to be able to put on this event each year such as Hotel Hatfield and HM Coastguard who ask for nothing in return but to see this great event happen each year.'

He also thanked the volunteers on the day, the participants and their supporters.

The beneficiaries gave a speech during the presentation, explaining how the money would be used. For example, Pathways Care Farm plans to build accommodation for two new baby goats while the cash will help the volunteer lifeguard corp to repair and replace equipment.

Matt Stebbings, community sport and leisure development manager at Sentinel Leisure Trust, said a number of unregistered swimmers took part this year to raise money for their own good causes. He urged swimmers this year to register to support the chosen local charities, who have representatives helping out on the day.

Mr Stebbings also thanked Lawrence Chapman and Mark Attenborough, who were the previous organisers of the event and donated the last £1,000 from their event pot to ensure this year's swim reached its £10,000 target.