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For some hardy souls the festive period is as much about taking the plunge in the North Sea as turkey, crackers and champagne to welcome the new year.

Around Tyneside and Northumberland there are some well-established dips on Boxing Day or New Year's Day with dozens of people ignoring icy temperatures to run into the waves.

Among them in 2008 were dips at Newbiggin, in Northumberland, and Whitley Bay on 26 December.

The events raise thousands of pounds

Whitley Bay dip

And if you want to start 2009 with a blast, Whitley Bay's Panama Swimming Club hosts a dip on 1 January.

People are asked to meet at the clubhouse along the promenade at Whitley Bay, just along from the Rendezvous Cafe, from 10.30am with the swim at 11am.

The event attracts plenty of spectators who usually form a tunnel for the hardy dippers to run through and into the water. About 50 people usually take part.

There will be hot showers afterwards along with a hot drink to warm up.

Find out more on the Panama Swimming Club website:

Attracts spectators

The Newbiggin dip was organised by Ashington Lions and has been running since the 1980s and every year raises thousands of pounds for charities.

President of the Lioness club Pam Barr said: "I did it myself until I was 50. It's not too bad. It is no different winter and summer.

"The atmosphere just carries you through it especially if you have a little brandy!"

The 2008 dip was at 11.30am on Boxing Day with the base at Newbiggin Sailing Club. There were hot drinks afterwards to warm up.

The Panama swimming club swims all year round

Many people wear fancy dress for the event and of the money they raise half goes to the Lions' charities and half to their own charity.

Pam said while most people register beforehand, some people decided to go into the water "on the spur of the moment" in their clothes.

She said the event attracted a good crowd of spectators, particularly since the work to revamp Newbiggin.

In 2007 two people dressed up for the dip as the Couple sculpture, which was installed in the sea off Newbiggin in 2007.

T-shirts designed

North Sea Volunteer Lifeguards (NSVL) organised the Boxing Day event at Whitley Bay which was open to club members and anyone who wanted to support the club.

T-shirts are designed for the dip every year and in 2008 it was based on the traditional pantomime theme 'It's behind you'.

Full details are available on NSVL's website:

Are you taking part in a dip over the festive period or going to watch? Send your photos in for our gallery: