Dozens of people took part in the Felixstowe dip for charity, despite it being officially called off for safety reasons.

Swimmers ignored the warnings to brave the cold North Sea waters near Felixstowe pier to plunge in.

St Elizabeth's Hospice, which was hosting the swim tweeted to advise participants and spectators that had turned up it was not going ahead due to safety concerns.

The Tweet said: "We are so disappointed that we have to make a change like this so close to the event date. It is not a decision we have taken lightly and your safety will always be our number one priority".

St Elizabeth organisors added that they knew the postponement would be a "huge disappointment to many" and that "attending the event is a family tradition and so many people were braving the cold in memory of their loved ones".

Saying it was "truly sorry" for the delay to the "iconic Christmas Day challenge", the charity confirmed that those who intended to take part will have their registrations automatically rolled over to the new date once confirmed.

They later posted that the advice came from Felixstowe volunteer coastal patrol rescue service.

Before the cancellation, two swimmers wearing full clown costumes did take the plunge for a splash in the sea.

Among those who arrived for the Felixstowe swim were people dressed as Santa, turkeys, penguins and elves.

*Were you among the disappointed swimmers and will your donations still go to the St Elizabeth charity? Contact [email protected]