HATHERLEIGH Walruses will be going out with a bang on New Year's Eve when a major firework display follows the annual dip into the River Lew.
It is the Walruses' 12th merge into the icy waters which is being held a day early this year.
The theme for the Millennium spectacular is Saxon Times — Hatherleigh in the Year 999, and there will be a 'goodies and baddies'-style performance before the 20 Walruses take to the water at 3pm. A large fireworks display will follow at 5pm at the cricket club.
Sandra Collier, who has been taking part in the annual dip since it began, said the day had been changed because it was unlikely that anyone would feel like taking part on New Year's Day this year with all the celebrating the night before.
The money raised will go to Hatherleigh Medical Centre. Around £24,000 has been donated to charity since the first event.
Mrs Collier said there were several people who had been with the Walruses since the beginning, but each year a few dropped out.
'We organise it that a few representatives from the charity receiving the money that year have to take part so then we keep the numbers up,' she said.
'It's not as bad as people think it is really, apart from when we have to break the ice which is pretty horrendous. We have only had three really bad years out of 12.'
Once the last Walrus is in, they have to stay submerged in the water for five minutes before coming inside for a 'hot toddy'.
Literally the whole town turns out to this popular event each year.