A familiar festive figure has been spotted in Felixstowe as registration for a Suffolk charity’s Christmas fundraiser opens.

Ipswich Star: Hundreds of hardy swimmers braved the cold and took part in the Felixstowe Christmas Day Dip in aid of the St Elizabeth Hospice.Hundreds of hardy swimmers braved the cold and took part in the Felixstowe Christmas Day Dip in aid of the St Elizabeth Hospice.

Santa Claus was seen on the beach in front of Manning’s Amusements, dipping his toes in the chilly water in preparation for the St Elizabeth Hospice Christmas Day Dip.

At 10am on Christmas Day, hundreds of hospice supporters will take a dip in the freezing North Sea in a bid to raise thousands of pounds.

Joanne Rodger, events and challenges fundraiser at the hospice, said: “The Christmas Day Dip is an incredibly fun event.

“We’re looking to make an even bigger splash this year as we are celebrating the hospice’s 25th anniversary.

“We wouldn’t be able to provide our services without the continued support of the local community, and sponsored events like the Christmas Day Dip are a hugely important source of income for us.

“Taking a dip in the sea on Christmas Day is an exhilarating experience, as well as being hugely memorable and very rewarding.

“Many supporters taking part in festive fancy dress - we’ve seen penguins, reindeer - even Christmas trees take the plunge.” The event, which is now in its 11th year, was started in 2003 by hospice supporter Peter Burt when seven people took the plunge in his swimming pool in his garden.

Since then, the event has grown in size with hundreds of people running into the sea on Christmas Day.

Last year along, more than 400 fundraisers did the dip and raised nearly £40,000 to help support local hospice care.

Entry costs £5 per person and £20 with a T-shirt. All participants will receive a medal for their bravery.

Visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk in advance, or on Christmas morning from 8.30am.