The road into Coverack was jammed on Christmas Day as almost 100 people hurled themselves into the icy sea watched by their (warmer) friends and family.

The annual Coverack Christmas Day Swim was performed as always with gusto, accompanied by laughs, screams and not a few chattering teeth.

Ranging from five-year-olds to those in their 70s, a total of 92 people took part in the oldest - this was its 38th year - and arguably largest event of its kind in Cornwall.

Pippa Englefield, chairman of the organising committee, said: "It was lovely. Thank you to everyone who went in and all the helpers. It makes Christmas for everyone around here."

This year's event raised £1,100 on the day and around another £4,000 is expected to be collected in sponsorship money, with the proceeds going to Cancer Research UK.

It is a far cry from the first swim, when a humble £8.75 was collected. Not counting this year's figure, a total of £50,250 has been raised since the swim began almost four decades ago.

New swimmers and old regulars enjoyed the bracing swim this year, with one particular stalwart, Dave Philpott, returning for his 36th year. At the other end of the scale, Wendy Watters experienced her first swim after a bet a few weeks previously, while local landlord Steve Gilks, from the Paris Hotel, was also persuaded in at the last minute.

Others came from far and wide - both locally, from Truro and Falmouth, and internationally - the honour of farthest away having to go to the swimmers from California.

All the participants were given hot punch on their return and the chance to warm themselves by the roaring fire prepared in the Fishermen's Rest by Hugh Richards earlier that morning.