Swimmers brave freezing cold temperatures as they hit the water to celebrate first day of the New Year

BRAVE New Year’s Day revellers have kicked off 2024 with a biting early morning dip.

Despite plummeting temperatures, swimmers came out in droves to take an icy plunge this morning.

Crowds of people braved temperatures of 6C and packed the shoreline to take part in the Mablethorpe Big Dip in Lincolnshire.

The event has been set up to raise money for the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal.

The harsh morning chill wasn't low enough to put one man off from taking a swim in his short shorts.

And while there weren't many wearing wetsuits, some were yet to shake off their festive outfits.

Santa hats, reindeer antlers and Christmas-themed attire could be spotted across shorelines.

One local was still in the Yuletide spirit as he dressed head to toe as Father Christmas for the numbing annual dip.

Two women were all smiles in their one-piece bathing suits as they kicked off 2024 in style.

Getting their year off to a good start, a number of people were also seen taking a plunge in St Andrews in Fife as temperatures hit 5C.

Hundreds of hardy swimmers leapt into the sea to enjoy their first refreshing swim of the year.

While many were seen enjoying themselves, one teeth chattering reveller looked relieved to dry off.

In North Somerset, swimmers had to shake off some rainy conditions as they braved Clevedon Marina Lake.

Many stripped down to their speedos as they took turns diving off a make do platform.

But residents in East Wittering may take the cake for the best outfits.

Locals in the sleepy West Sussex village dressed to impress as they dipped their toes dressed as crabs, zebras and even Super Mario this morning.

Locals in Poole also brought in the year with a fond annual tradition.

The Bath Tube Race involves crews crafting unique vessels and racing them along the quay from The Customs House Steps to the Lord Nelson in the Dorset town.

Crewmates set sail dressed as Oompa-Loompa's and Hawaiians as they jostled for position while spectators cheered on from the sidelines.

It comes as the Met Office warned temperatures could plummet to below zero causing snow to settle over high grown in northern parts of the UK.

Between January 5 and January 14, the Met Office has warned: "As temperatures fall, the chance of any precipitation falling as sleet and snow increases, particularly over high ground and especially over northern parts of the UK, but not exclusively so by any means.

"As well as frost and ice by night, some freezing fog is likely to develop as well."

The alert comes as 75mph winds and heavy rain blasted Brits last night as they rang in the New Year.

Yellow weather warnings for wind were issued for parts of England and Wales on New Year's Eve.

In many parts of the UK, people were urged to pack a rain jacket for the countdown.

Roads, rail, air and ferry transport were impacted, while coastlines became dangerous with massive swells.

But people didn't let the rain dampen their spirits.

Revellers fought the lashing rain and powerful winds as they gathered across the nation to kick off 2024.