Hundreds frolic in the sea off Exmouth for Christmas swim

HUNDREDS frolicked in the sea off Exmouth this morning for the annual Christmas Day swim.

The crowd, many sporting festive outfits and others braving the conditions in skimpy swimwear, turned around to sing Merry Christmas before stampeding towards the water just before 11am.

The event, which has become a tradition for thousands of local families as well as attracting people from across Devon, was this year screened live on Channel Four as part of the Gordon Ramsay live Christmas Cookalong show.

Jessica Collinson, 19, was part of a group of Exmouth belles taking part.

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She said: "I do it every year and this is my sixth time. I look forward to it but look forward more to getting out and getting warm again."

Laura Ghanavati, 19, of Exmouth, said: "It is a bit of a family tradition for us and it is great fun. But it is freezing."

Louise Fitzpatrick, 21, from Liskard, attended with Sam Weir, 23, of Exmouth, said: "It was very cold but was an experience and it was not as bad as I expected. It is my first year doing it but I will definitely be doing it again."

Emily Foulston, 19, of Exmouth, said: "I used to live in Spain and I would do a swim on Christmas Day with my family. It was not really a traditional thing out there and we were the only ones that did.

"It is great to keep that going and there are a few more out here today."

Christine Courtney, 24, of Exmouth, said: "This is my seventh time and I don't think it is as busy as previous years. You have to go in up to your knees. But once I have I am straight in and straight out."

A group of family and friends from Exmouth including Chloe Lomax, 12, Talitha White, 34, Dawn Harris, 42, Louise Lomax, 37, Conor Harris, ten, Mia Lomax, seven, and Megan Harris, were among those who turned out in fancy dress.

Ms Lomax said:"It is a Christmas tradition and we come down as a big group of friends and family. It is a great way to start Christmas Day and becomes really addictive."