Douglas dippers have raised more than £2,000 for charity Breast Cancer Now Isle of Man.

This year’s event drew in more people than ever before, with about 150 people braving the cold sea near Queen’s Promenade, Douglas, to help raise donations and awareness for the cause.

Chairman of the charity Angie Aire MBE said: ’The squeals of delight from the dippers, as the first large wave hit them on entry to the water, could probably have been heard in Peel!

’Many did it in memory of friends and loved ones and they were cheered on by hundreds of spectators, who had spread a mile along the prom walkway.

’The dippers this year were started by Onchan MHK Julie Edge. Fellow MHK Ralph Peake, who was one of the first into the sea, alleged afterwards that it was warmer in the water than on the beach.’

Organisers of the dip Kim Makin and Carol Glover were congratulated for their efforts in delivering the popular event each year by Canada Life, which has sponsored the dip for five years.

Kim said: ’We are very grateful to Canada Life for supporting the Douglas dip again this year.

’An event with unpredictable and ever-changing weather and sea conditions held in the middle of winter, needs a range of preventative and emergency equipment and supplies on the day.

’This is so we are fully prepared, alongside strong publicity and communication to attract more dippers.

’Alongside our sponsor, the event could not take place without the input and support of the Coastguard team and St John Ambulance, who we know have to curtail their New Year’s Eve activities in order to be "on duty" for our event.

’Civil Defence also provide advice and input to the plans to manage and mitigate the risks.

’So a big thank you from all of us to everyone who participated, supported or helped us raise funds for the biggest Breast Cancer charity in the UK, who support the work of 450 brilliant scientists in the UK, with the objective of ensuring that by 2050, anyone who develops Breast Cancer will live,’ she explained.

Breast Cancer Now Isle of Man was set up in 1992 to provide direct support for breast cancer patients and their families.

The charity aims to educate people, while campaigning to raise money that will fund research into the cause and cure of the disease.