HUNDREDS of revellers in fancy dress have taken the plunge for charity.
Lisa Dale and Karen Pettigrew, from Glasgow, were among the more than 250 people dressed as smurfs, santas, reindeer, penguins and other festive characters who dashed down Prestwick beach and into the sea on Boxing Day.
The Dip with a Nip event raises tens of thousands of pounds every year for children's cancer charity Clic Sargent.
The dippers set off from Malcolm Sargent House, a holiday home for families with children battling cancer, to parade down the promenade and on to the beach.
A piper played a tune while they walked down before the tape was cut. The fundraisers rushed into the waves as hundreds of supporters cheered them on.
Gary Sheridan, 54, from Saltcoats, took part in the event with his friends and family, all dressed as penguins.
It was his first time as part of "Team Happy Feet" after being persuaded to take part.
He said: "It is a very little bit of my time to hopefully benefit the charity and the young kids."
The sun shone for the event and Sarah Green was dressed for hot weather.
Wearing a silver bikini, she braved the freezing waters with partner David Armstrong, who wore trunks for a James Bond-themed dip.
Mother-of-two Sarah, 29, from Irvine, who volunteers with Clic Sargent, said: "At first it was really cold but when you are out there and it's the atmosphere, it was good.
"It's for cancer and I can imagine how difficult it is for kids who are struggling."
This year's event was the eighth Dip with a Nip to be held at Prestwick.
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