A 10-year-old girl from Ipswich braved the cold of the North Sea on Christmas Day by taking a plunge at Felixstowe for a local hospice.

Lexi Ambrose had been looking forward to taking part in the annual dip for St Elizabeth Hospice, which normally sees crowds of 100s visit Felixstowe seafront.

Ipswich Star: Brave Lexi Ambrose completed a Christmas Day dip for St Elizabeth HospiceBrave Lexi Ambrose completed a Christmas Day dip for St Elizabeth Hospice (Image: Donna Stockley)

However despite the event being cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, brave Lexi decided to take the challenge on by herself – and has raised more than £375 for the Ipswich hospice.

Lexi received a hot water bottle and a flask of cocoa after taking the plunge at a chilly 5C at 10.30am in front of her family.

After completing the challenge, Lexi said: "That was freezing!"

Already a committed fundraiser, young Lexi has already completed various fundraisers for the hospice, including the annual bubble run.

She added she hopes the dip will become an annual tradition.