BRAVE Hatherleigh residents will be hoping they don't get cold feet next week when the time comes to take the plunge for the Hatherleigh Walruses annual New Year's Day dip into the freezing waters of the River Lew.
Last year, the five minute dip into the river had to be cancelled for the first time ever — but the Walruses didn't go home bone dry, Hatherleigh fire crew were on hand to give a soaking to the volunteers with water pumped from the river.
Ian Strawbridge, one of the organisers, said he was hoping as many as 30 volunteers would be ready to brave the ice-cold antidote to New Year Eve excess this year.
The Walruses say with the long dry spell this year, they are extremely hopeful of getting in the water and making amends for last year.
For several years now, a bunch of hardy souls have been gathering each New Year's Day for the five minute dip into the River Lew, to raise funds for local charities.
This year the money raised will be split between Hatherleigh's Christmas lights and the Brownies. This year's theme is Robin Hood, with one of the dippers having prepared a story to be performed before the big event.
Last year's theme for the Walruses was Australia and money was raised for Hatherleigh Sports Field Association and other Rotary charities.
Around 25 people had been ready to enter the chilly water but the heavy rain in the two preceding days had meant the River Lew had swollen so much it was too dangerous and the dip was cancelled for the first time in 15 years.
The annual event always attracts a big crowd to watch and normally raises around £3,000 for local charities.
The Walruses will be assembling at the river bank at 2.45pm on New Year's Day before taking the icy plunge at 3pm.