IT was back into the water with relish for the hardy Hatherleigh Walruses on New Year?s Day. They put the disappointment of last year?s cancellation of the charity dip behind them and once more braved the freezing waters of the River Lew.
A large crowd turned out to watch around 30 volunteers take the plunge into the river for five minutes.
Last year the Walruses had to cancel the dip itself because the river was swollen, and were instead hosed down at the riverbank by Hatherleigh firefighters with water pumped from the Lew.
Walrus Ian Strawbridge said the number of dippers this year was ?one of the best in recent years?, with six people taking part for the very first time.
He said there was also a number of people who were getting into the bitterly cold river for the first time after taking part in last year?s curtailed event.
Ian said there had been some concern that the weather would again pose a problem following the bad weather on New Year?s Eve, but the river level had dropped quite considerably by mid-afternoon.
?It was a nice depth to go in and it was one of our milder days with the wind dropping away as well,? he said.
The dip itself was preceded by a short performance retelling the story of Robin Hood.
The money raised will be divided between Hatherleigh?s Christmas lights and the town?s guides, scouts and brownies. The charity auction and draw held at the cricket club after the dip raised more than £4,000.