The cold water and biting wind could do nothing to quash the festive cheer as an annual Christmas Day swim returned with its biggest ever turnout.

More than 300 swimmers, dressed in costumes ranging from Santa Claus and Christmas turkeys to lobsters and giant bananas, took part in the 40th official Lowestoft swim.

Hundreds of spectators showed up to offer support and cheer on the swimmers in what has become a much-loved spectacle.

The swim is organised by Sentinel Leisure Trust to help raise money for local beneficiaries. Last year £10,000 was raised with this year's target standing at £15,000.

Matt Stebbings of Sentinel said: 'The event is massive for Lowestoft, it's one of the only traditions from the town still going.'

Along the coast in Southwold 150 swimmers braved the sea in a charity swim organised by Southwold and District Rotary.