Hundreds of swimmers helped raise more than £40,000 for St Elizabeth Hospice as they took to the water in Felixstowe on Christmas Day morning.

The charity's annual Christmas Day Dip returned last month after 2021's event was postponed due to weather and 2020's fell victim to the Covid pandemic.

An estimated more than 500 people swapped opening presents for a chilly swim as part of St Elizabeth Hospice's fundraising efforts.

Ipswich Star: The participants rush to the sea in FelixstoweThe participants rush to the sea in Felixstowe (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Organisers have now confirmed more than £40,000 was raised in the event – with £1,369 contributed on the day through donation buckets.

All funds raised by the Christmas Day Dip went towards the hospice’s Christmas campaign, Be a Star, which generated about £128,000 for the service – a record-breaking amount for its annual festive appeal.

Ipswich Star: Swimmers pose after the dipSwimmers pose after the dip (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Nichola Whymark, head of partnership fundraising at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: "Thank you so much to all who supported our Christmas Day Dip.

"From our dippers and volunteers through to staff who attended on the day and everyone who donated via sponsorship or bucket collections, you are all superstars.

Ipswich Star: Santa Claus and his elves also took partSanta Claus and his elves also took part (Image: Charlotte Bond)

"Every penny raised will help our team continue to develop our services to support more patients and their families throughout east Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney during difficult times in their lives."