AROUND 25 brave souls from Hatherleigh will have a bracing start to the New Year as they take part in the Hatherleigh Walruses' New Year's Day Dip.

Each year the group take a dip in the freezing water of the River Lew on January 1 to raise money for a range of charities.

This year the event's theme will be 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'. Swimmers will be decked out in costumes as they get into the river near Hatherleigh Community Centre. Spectators can view the swimmers from the bridge over the river as they brave the water.

The 2012 dip raised £2,739.31, which was divided between Hatherleigh Festival and Hatherleigh Primary School. In the last 25 years, the event has raised more than £50,000 for charity.

If you wish to view the swimmers, feel free to go along to the bridge at 2.45pm to watch the Walruses and support their efforts. Once the swim is over, activities move to Hatherleigh Cricket Club, with a charity auction, food and drink, a raffle, and more. All are welcome to attend.

For more information call Jessica Squire on 07746 892660 or Tash Drew on 07545 947526, or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]

You can also find out more information on the Hatherleigh Walruses Facebook page.