Thousands of people headed to the west Norfolk coast to watch a crowd of brave souls run into the North Sea.

The Hunstanton Christmas Day Swim returned after three years away, with the 2020 and 2021 events called off due to Covid.

Eastern Daily Press: The Hunstanton Christmas Day Swim 2022. Picture: Ian Burt The Hunstanton Christmas Day Swim 2022. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Ian Burt)

It was once again organised by the Hunstanton and District Round Table and there were 94 participants and just under 2,000 spectators. 

Eastern Daily Press: The Hunstanton Christmas Day Swim 2022. Picture: Ian Burt The Hunstanton Christmas Day Swim 2022. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Ian Burt)

The dip took place at 11am and there was also a fancy dress competition, with the individual prize won by someone in a Scooby Doo costume.

Mark Williamson, chairman, said: "I think more people turned out this year as we haven't been able to do it for three years and it went really well.

Eastern Daily Press: The Hunstanton Christmas Day Swim 2022. Picture: Ian Burt The Hunstanton Christmas Day Swim 2022. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Ian Burt)

"It was meant to be high tide at 7am so we expected the sea to be a lot further out.

"It was nice that we didn't have to go as far, but it was still cold.

Eastern Daily Press: The Hunstanton Christmas Day Swim 2022. Picture: Ian Burt The Hunstanton Christmas Day Swim 2022. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Ian Burt)

"It was worth it as people gave really generously to the donation buckets." 

This year's chosen charity was Caring Together, which provides young carers with trips out, breaks and treats.