In pictures: Boxing Day Redcar swim

The annual Boxing Day swim has been organised by the Rotary Club of Redcar for more than 45 years

Hundreds of people braved chilly temperatures for the annual Boxing Day dip in Redcar.

The estimated temperature was about 5C (41F) as people of all ages dived into the waves.

Dave Cocks from the RNLI Redcar team photographed many of those taking part.

While some wore skimpy bathing costumes, others opted for fancy dress with many raising money for charity

Dave Cocks said the sea was cold, at about 5C (41F), but in a calm condition for a swim

The RNLI's Redcar lifeboat was in the water for the dip but Mr Cocks said the event passed without incident

Mr Cocks said some "hardy" swimmers spent up to 15 minutes in the sea while others merely "dipped a toe"

More than 250 people took part in the dip with an estimated 2,000 on the shore cheering them on

Swimmers entered the sea from the lifeboat causeway off Redcar beach, with the furthest swimmer getting up to 50m (164ft) offshore