THOUSANDS of people will be gathering in Saundersfoot on the first day of 2018 for the village's 34th New Year's Day Swim.

The 2017 event attracted over 1,800 swimmers and generated more than £43,000 to benefit 56 charitable and worthwhile causes.

This takes the total raised over the years to over £600,000.

A mass Mexican wave and a blast-from-the-past disco session will get the brave bathers warmed up for their dip at 12.30pm.

The swimmers will be sent on their way to the waves with a firework launch, courtesy of West Coast Fireworks, while DJ Benny Bond will be on hand to give the event his usual seasonal commentary.

Each swimmer will be presented with a medal, and there will be prizes for the best fancy dress individual and group entries, donated by Stephen Cole.

Saundersfoot New Year's Day Swim chairman, Martyn Williams thanked all the event sponsors for their generous support and added: "The swim has become an integral part of the festive season for this area.

"I would also like to encourage all swimmers to raise as much money as possible for their chosen charity or worthy cause. We will ensure that every penny raised will go to that charity."

All swimmers and spectators are advised to get to the event early to avoid congestion and find a parking place.

There will also be a park and ride service, in conjunction with Taf Valley Coaches, between Kilgetty information centre and Saundersfoot between 10.30am and 2.30pm. For the latest information on this, view Facebook (Charlie Shivers).

Sponsor forms are available from Elements of Pembrokeshire, The Strand, Saundersfoot or are downloadable from www.saundersfootnyds.co.uk.

The swim's rugby and polo shirts are also available at Elements.

Keep up with the build-up to the swim by following swim mascot Charlie Shivers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @CharlieShivers.