Pictures - hundreds turn out for bracing New Year’s Day dip at Westward Ho!

Hundreds of people turned on New Year’s Day to continue the long-running tradition of a bracing dip at Westward Ho! on the first day of the year.

As ever, the beach was packed with swimmers and paddlers, many in fancy dress and carefully watched over by volunteers on surf boards.

Above: Hundreds took part in the popular New Year tradition at Westward Ho! Credit: Simon Ellery 

An array of inventive costumes ranged from bananas and cavemen to Beetlejuice, with some dippers donning wetsuits while many brave souls were happy to enter the water in their standard swimming costumes.

The Mayor of Northam, Councillor Louis Bach, complete with mayoral chain, conducted the countdown before setting the dippers off sprinting for the water.

Above: Northam Mayor Louis Bach got the party started. Credit: Simon Ellery 

Organiser Peter Sawyer took to Facebook to thank the Ho’s Rob Braddick for sponsorship and his continued support, as well as sponsors holidaycottages.co.uk and all those who took part.

**** See more pictures in the gallery above, courtesy of Simon Ellery ****

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