FUNDRAISERS braved the chilly waters this morning to take part in a charity swim.

The annual New Year's Day swim, in aid Gosport & Fareham Inshore Rescue Service (GAFIRS), was held at Stokes Bay in Lifeboat Lane.

Thousands were expected to turn up to watch brave locals take the dip. All of the money raised by each swimmer will go to their nominated charity.

Speaking before the event, GAFIRS community director James Baggott said: “While we encourage participants to raise money for any charity, we especially love those who take to the water in aid of us.

“As an independent lifeboat station we do not receive any funding from the RNLI, so events like our New Year’s Day swim are vital in keeping us afloat all year to save lives in the local waters.

“This year we’ll be keeping an eye out for those swimmers who really go to town on their fancy dress – perhaps some could simply leave it on from the parties the night before!”