MILD weather meant a not too chilly dip in the River Lew for the Hatherleigh Walruses on New Year's Eve.
Fears were that the annual plunge into the river might have to be postponed because of high water levels but the river dropped in time for the event.
Over £2,000 was raised and the 20 Walruses, which included staff at Hatherleigh Medical Centre who are to benefit from the funds, were watched by a crowd of over 400 people.
The play prior to the soaking was based on Hatherleigh in the year 999 or Haegporn Leah as it was known then.
The Saxon settlement with its own Millennium Dome was torched by the Vikings, providing a spectacle similar to London's 'river of fire.'
Later in the evening a bonfire, fireworks and a lamb roast were hosted by the Cricket Club to kick off the New Year's Eve celebrations.
The Hatherleigh Walruses will be holding a New Year party on January 14 in the Town Hall, complete with a band and other entertainment. Tickets, available from Richard Tidball Insurance Services, are priced at £10.