Superman, Father Christmas and Donald Duck join record turnout for West Mersea Boxing Day swim

Monkey Beach, West Mersea - 11th annual Boxing Day dip in fancy dress in aid of the RNLI. Photo by Andy Palmer (Image: Andy Palmer)

The 11th fancy dress spectacular once again raised money for the West Mersea RNLI, with Father Christmas, Superman and Donald Duck among the get-ups swimmers were sporting.

Monkey Beach, West Mersea - 11th annual Boxing Day dip in fancy dress in aid of the RNLI. Photo by Andy Palmer (Image: Andy Palmer)

And other costumes included chefs, men in tutus, sharks, tigers and elves.

Monkey Beach, West Mersea - 11th annual Boxing Day dip in fancy dress in aid of the RNLI. Photo by Andy Palmer (Image: Andy Palmer)

There was an infectious atmosphere across the morning as well-wishers enjoyed hot drinks on the beach while youngsters were able to enjoy a photo and a ride on the West Mersea and Clacton lifeboats alongside RNLI mascot Stormy Stan.

Monkey Beach, West Mersea - 11th annual Boxing Day dip in fancy dress in aid of the RNLI. Photo by Andy Palmer (Image: Andy Palmer)

Anthea Wade, who organises the event each year alongside the Mersea and District Lifeboat Guild, said: “It’s the most we have ever had and made for a really fantastic day.

Monkey Beach, West Mersea - 11th annual Boxing Day dip in fancy dress in aid of the RNLI. Photo by Andy Palmer (Image: Andy Palmer)

“It’s a really super atmosphere and it’s wonderful to see on the beach when there is nobody and suddenly thousands have appeared from everywhere.”

Monkey Beach, West Mersea - 11th annual Boxing Day dip in fancy dress in aid of the RNLI. Photo by Andy Palmer (Image: Andy Palmer)

Money from the day is still being counted, but each year the event raises “well over £3,000” according to Mrs Wade, which she hopes will be topped from this year’s collection.

Monkey Beach, West Mersea - 11th annual Boxing Day dip in fancy dress in aid of the RNLI. Photo by Andy Palmer (Image: Andy Palmer)

Monkey Beach, West Mersea - 11th annual Boxing Day dip in fancy dress in aid of the RNLI. Photo by Andy Palmer (Image: Andy Palmer)

Monkey Beach, West Mersea - 11th annual Boxing Day dip in fancy dress in aid of the RNLI. Photo by Andy Palmer (Image: Andy Palmer)

Monkey Beach, West Mersea - 11th annual Boxing Day dip in fancy dress in aid of the RNLI. Photo by Andy Palmer (Image: Andy Palmer)

Monkey Beach, West Mersea - 11th annual Boxing Day dip in fancy dress in aid of the RNLI. Photo by Andy Palmer (Image: Andy Palmer)

Monkey Beach, West Mersea - 11th annual Boxing Day dip in fancy dress in aid of the RNLI. Photo by Andy Palmer (Image: Andy Palmer)

Monkey Beach, West Mersea - 11th annual Boxing Day dip in fancy dress in aid of the RNLI. Photo by Andy Palmer (Image: Andy Palmer)

Monkey Beach, West Mersea - 11th annual Boxing Day dip in fancy dress in aid of the RNLI. Photo by Andy Palmer (Image: Andy Palmer)

Monkey Beach, West Mersea - 11th annual Boxing Day dip in fancy dress in aid of the RNLI. Photo by Andy Palmer (Image: Andy Palmer)

Monkey Beach, West Mersea - 11th annual Boxing Day dip in fancy dress in aid of the RNLI. Photo by Andy Palmer (Image: Andy Palmer)

Monkey Beach, West Mersea - 11th annual Boxing Day dip in fancy dress in aid of the RNLI. Photo by Andy Palmer (Image: Andy Palmer)

Monkey Beach, West Mersea - 11th annual Boxing Day dip in fancy dress in aid of the RNLI. Photo by Andy Palmer (Image: Andy Palmer)

Monkey Beach, West Mersea - 11th annual Boxing Day dip in fancy dress in aid of the RNLI. Photo by Andy Palmer (Image: Andy Palmer)

Monkey Beach, West Mersea - 11th annual Boxing Day dip in fancy dress in aid of the RNLI. Photo by Andy Palmer (Image: Andy Palmer)

Monkey Beach, West Mersea - 11th annual Boxing Day dip in fancy dress in aid of the RNLI. Photo by Andy Palmer (Image: Andy Palmer)

Monkey Beach, West Mersea - 11th annual Boxing Day dip in fancy dress in aid of the RNLI. Photo by Andy Palmer (Image: Andy Palmer)

Monkey Beach, West Mersea - 11th annual Boxing Day dip in fancy dress in aid of the RNLI. Photo by Andy Palmer (Image: Andy Palmer)

Monkey Beach, West Mersea - 11th annual Boxing Day dip in fancy dress in aid of the RNLI. Photo by Andy Palmer (Image: Andy Palmer)

Monkey Beach, West Mersea - 11th annual Boxing Day dip in fancy dress in aid of the RNLI. Photo by Andy Palmer (Image: Andy Palmer)

Monkey Beach, West Mersea - 11th annual Boxing Day dip in fancy dress in aid of the RNLI. Photo by Andy Palmer (Image: Andy Palmer)

Monkey Beach, West Mersea - 11th annual Boxing Day dip in fancy dress in aid of the RNLI. Photo by Andy Palmer (Image: Andy Palmer)

Monkey Beach, West Mersea - 11th annual Boxing Day dip in fancy dress in aid of the RNLI. Photo by Andy Palmer (Image: Andy Palmer)