It is a much loved festive tradition that attracts crowds of thousands as hundreds of people brave the conditions and jump into the cold North Sea on Christmas Day.

And with the 45th festive plunge set to return once more this year, charity applications for the ever-popular Lowestoft Christmas Day Swim are now open.

Your group could become a beneficiary of the Lowestoft Christmas Day Swim, which raises money each year for local charities and deserving causes.

Taking the plunge at Lowestoft's 44th Christmas Day Swim. Picture: Mick HowesTaking the plunge at Lowestoft's 44th Christmas Day Swim. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

It comes as the organising team are looking for worthwhile charities or organisations to become a recipient of the shared sponsorship monies generated by the swim on Christmas Day.

A spokesman for the organisers said: "Charities or organisations must showcase who they are, and how any monies received will benefit the local residents of Lowestoft.

"Applicants must be local and not nationally backed and can ensure that money raised will stay within the local area."

Matt Stebbings, event volunteer, at Lowestoft's 44th Christmas Day Swim. Picture: Mick HowesMatt Stebbings, event volunteer, at Lowestoft's 44th Christmas Day Swim. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Matt Stebbings, swim volunteer, said: "Every year the swim gets a great turnout and we are always looking for local organisations to be involved.

"As usual, we want the money raised to go as far as possible to help those who need support within the Lowestoft area.

"We hope for an even bigger turnout and more money raised than ever before."

The 2024 swim will once again be spearheaded by local leisure operator Everyone Active and supported by JME, HM Coastguards, Lowestoft Volunteer Lifeguard Corps, Lowestoft Lions, St John Ambulance and the RNLI.

Donna Taylor, Everyone Active’s general manager at Waterlane Leisure Centre in Lowestoft, said: "We are delighted to be involved in this special event, which is of such importance to the local community and fantastic charitable causes."

To apply to become a beneficiary, applicants should complete the online form https://forms.office.com/e/chsiFS7TJb and return it before the deadline of October 31 at 23.59pm.

All applications will be acknowledged and considered by the panel of Christmas Day Swim volunteers.

If your charity is successful in its application you will be notified.

The money will then be split amongst the core group of charities and also those selected to become a 2024 beneficiary.