MORE than 60 swimmers hit the chilly Angle waves on New Year’s Day to raise money for Paul Sartori.

Now in its fifth year, the Angle New Year’s Day Swim had its biggest-ever turnout, with hundreds coming along to watch the frosty costumed bathers.

“It was really good, and well supported as usual,” Said Joanne Lutwyche, who organises the annual swim.

“There was a few hundred people there who turned up to watch and support the 65 swimmers. We had 15 more swimmers than last year, so it’s the biggest year we have had.

“We are very happy - it is quite the achievement - It seems to be growing every year.”

Ms Lutwyche said that some of the growth could be put down to people who found some of the other swims were getting too big and people were looking for something more family friendly.

“There were quite a few kids in the water with their parents this year,” she said.

“It was really good fun, lots of people laughing and having enjoying themselves, which is what it’s all about.

“I think the temperature was about 11 degrees, it was probably the best weather we have since we started, the water was quite calm, not much wind and very dry.”

Money raised on the day went to the event’s chosen charity, which this year was Paul Sartori.

“We raised £1,105 on the day,” Ms Lutwyche said.

“We got donations and sponsorship throughout the year to cover things like insurance, so all the money on the day goes to charity.”

A wide variety of costumes were on display, everything from Darth Vaders to cowboys.

MS Lutwyche said that she didn’t have a favourite costume but said there was an impressive variety.

After the 2017 swim, Ms Lutwyche was not sure if she wanted to keep on organising the event, this year she has decided she wants to do another next year.

Joanne added that she wanted to thank all the people who had volunteered and sponsored the event.