A record number of swimmers turned up at Aldeburgh beach in their best festive costumes for the first Boxing Day swim since 2019. 

An estimated 300 people attended the event on Monday which had been postponed due to adverse weather last year and the Covid-19 pandemic the year before.

Eastern Daily Press: An estimated 300 people turned up to the swimAn estimated 300 people turned up to the swim (Image: Justin D'Arcy)

Eastern Daily Press: Swimmers arrived in their best festive outfitsSwimmers arrived in their best festive outfits (Image: Tony Pick)

"It was the best one yet," said Mark Fairweather - organiser of the swim. 

"There were a variety of costumers - including reindeer antlers and santa hats. 

"It was around six degrees on the day. It made your hands feel like ice blocks!"

Eastern Daily Press: Swimmers braved the cold weather to raise money for charitySwimmers braved the cold weather to raise money for charity (Image: Tony Pick)

Eastern Daily Press: The Boxing Day swim has become an annual event in AldeburghThe Boxing Day swim has become an annual event in Aldeburgh (Image: Tony Pick)

Eastern Daily Press: This year's swim was described as 'the best one yet'This year's swim was described as 'the best one yet' (Image: Tony Pick)

The event served as a charity fundraiser for the Blossom Appeal - a breast cancer support organisation set up by Ipswich and Colchester Hospitals.

Organisers say £2,500 has been raised so far. However, donations received on the beach are yet to be counted.

Eastern Daily Press: The previous two events had been cancelled due to weather conditions and Covid-19The previous two events had been cancelled due to weather conditions and Covid-19 (Image: Tony Pick)

Eastern Daily Press: The water was said to be so cold it made hands feel like 'ice blocks'The water was said to be so cold it made hands feel like 'ice blocks' (Image: Tony Pick)

Eastern Daily Press: A total of £2,500 has already been raised for The Blossom AppealA total of £2,500 has already been raised for The Blossom Appeal (Image: Tony Pick)

"Thank you to everyone who turned up and to those who donated," said Rob Mabey - who helped coordinate the swim.

"It's all for a really good cause and it was great to see so many people come together."