Crowds gathered along the full length of the pier, in Battery Parade and the beach itself to watch the 140 brave fund-raisers, including 23 dippers from across the country, dash into the North Sea in fancy dress.

Among the colourful characters taking part this year were Dr Who, a Dalek and a mermaid, not to mention players from Whitby Rugby Club in their maroon and blue kits.

A gang of dippers from Mister Chips in Church Street who all wore Marie Curie t-shirts, won the new shield for the Best Team Fancy Dress while Stephanie Wilson impressed the judges with her mermaid costume.

The weather had been perfect although the sea, according to Boxing Day Dip organiser and Lions' vice-president, Richard Jackson, had the chill factor.

He said: "I was pleased with the turnout, 127 people took part last year and this year there were 140.

"The weather was perfect. It was the best one we've ever had.

"It was marvellous.

"It was nice to see so many people.

"I think they found it very cold this year.

"They weren't in the sea that long.

"Even the divers said they had no problem getting them out, it was absolutely freezing."

Mr Jackson said this year 23 people took part from as far afield as Bristol, Rugby, London, Cambridge, Sheffield and Aberdeen and it was clear they had come prepared as they were wearing fancy dress when they turned up.

The dip was open to individuals, clubs or teams with some people people raising cash solely for Lions charities or for a charity of their choice with 20% of their sponsorship going to Whitby and District Lions and 80% to the charity they have chosen.

Sixteen members of the Lions were out and about on the day, many rattling collection buckets which raised a fantastic £809.95 which will be distributed to local good causes.

Sponsorship money from the fund-raisers is now rolling in with at least £5,000 expected and Mr Jackson is asking for it to be taken to Whitby Wall and Floor at unit 2E on Larpool Industrial Estate or to Bob Stevens at the Langley Hotel on the West Cliff.

Mr Jackson said: "The Lions would like to thank St John Ambulance, Esk Valley Coaches who allowed them to be used as changing rooms at the bandstand, deputy borough mayor Peter Booth and his wife Elizabeth, Whitby Coastguard, Whitby Police and the divers, the helpers and wives."