Hundreds take festive dip in sea
HUNDREDS of people braved the cold for annual Boxing Day sea dips across south Devon.
In Teignmouth, more than 200 people donned fancy dress for the big dip in aid of the Teignmouth RNLI.
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they're off: Hundreds of people took part in the Teignmouth Boxing Day sea dip Andy Styles TQAS20121226A-005_C
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WATER: Teignmouth Boxing Day dip Andy Styles TQAS20121226A-010_C
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dressed for occasion: Alison and Ian Daley
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beach fun: Teignmouth's Boxing Day dip Andy Styles TQAS20121226A-002_C
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dip: Teignmouth Boxing Day dip
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where's wally: Teignmouth Boxing Day dippers Andy Styles TQAS20121226A-017_C
The Teignmouth lifeboat The Two Annes stood by as revellers enjoyed calm seas and mild weather in another record-breaking year in the event's 25-year history.
"Each year we seem to have more people in the sea," said Lorraine Lizius, chairman of the fundraising team.
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"We are hoping to beat last year's total of £5,800. One of our regular supporters, Kerry Good, has raised more than £1,700 in sponsorship on her own, so we have good reason to be excited."
Chefs Gavin Athanasiou and Nick Gilpin, from Teignmouth's Riviera Cafe, became 'naked chefs' for the event with only aprons to cover their modesty.
"It was a great atmosphere and there were thousands of people cheering us on," said Gavin.
"We decided to do it as it's for such a good cause and so far we've raised £200 and money is still coming in.
"The sea was cold to start with but we soon got used to it."
Spectators gathered in Paignton to watch the Lions Club walk into the sea, with around 120 taking part in the chilly dip and raised £323.
"We were upset by the weather as the heavens opened, but it was still a good event," said Malcolm Stone, of the Lion's Club organising committee.
Dippers were also out in force in Torquay, with around 65 people taking part in the Torquay ATC event.
The walk into the sea, which was started by Julien Parrott, deputy chairman of Torbay Council, raised between £500-600 for the Poppy Appeal the ATC group.
"This year we were joined by the junior branch of the Torquay Rugby Club and we've had some good feedback," said Chris Milford, OC of the 200 Squadron.
"This year we had to start at Torre Abbey instead of Corbyn Head as it was too dangerous as there was lots of seaweeds and the tide was out.
"The deputy chairman has said next year he'll actually take part in the dip and get some of his fellow councillors to join him."
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