Whitby Lions Club is once again holding its annual Boxing Day Dip which attracted 1,000 people last year who gathered along the full length of the pier and the beach to see 140 people dash into the sea in fancy dress.

Among the colourful costumes which could be seen last year were Dr Who, a Dalek, a mermaid and team members of Whitby Rugby Club who donned their maroon kits.

A team from Mister Chips in Church Street who wore Marie Curie t-shirts won the new shield for best fancy dress last year and this December, people are being urged to come up with even more inventive costumes.

The Boxing Day Dip is a huge money spinner for local charities.

Dippers last year raised more than £6,000 in sponsorship and organisers hope this year will be no exception.

A total of 80% of sponsorship money goes to people's chosen charity or sports club while 20% will go to the Lions who will distribute the cash to needy causes in and around the Whitby area.

Lion Chris Harrison said: "Last year we raised over £6,000 for charities and good causes at the dip so get rid of the lazy Christmas Day feeling and do some good, it's a Whitby tradition.

"We get people from all over the country coming to take part including Derbyshire, Shropshire and Leeds as well as many local people.

"Dip your big toe in the North Sea and help out some needy causes."

Registration will take place at the bandstand in Pier Road on the day at 10am. Then it's down to the beach for the fancy dress judging at 10.30am where the always ingenious costumes will be inspected by town mayor Terry Jennison.

Prizes will be awarded to the best although everyone who takes part in the Boxing Day Dip will get a certificate.

And at 10.40am, it is time to plunge into the water.

People are urged to register in advance by contacting one of the Lions below or they can head along to Whitby's Universal Garage Showroom every Saturday morning for the next three Saturdays starting tomorrow to register.

Registration can be done on the day but a £10 donation will apply.

Registration and sponsorship forms are available from the following Lions: Richard Jackson, 36 Derwent Road or call (07891) 765404, Chris Harrison at Robert Harrison and Son's Glaisdale (01947) 897249, Chris Lawson at 22 Runswick Lane, Hinderwell (01947) 840155 or they are also available from the Universal Garage Showroom in Whitby's Station Square or by calling (01947) 821123.