HUNDREDS of revellers in fancy dress took the plunge for charity.

More than 250 people dressed as smurfs, santas, reindeer, penguins and other festive characters dashed down Prestwick Beach and into the surf on Boxing Day.

The Dip with a Nip event raises tens of thousands of pounds every year for children's cancer charity CLIC Sargent.

Gary Sheridan, 54, from Saltcoats, took part in the event with his friends and family, all dressed as penguins. 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 brave Sarah Green was dressed for hot weather.

She braved the freezing waters wearing a silver ­bikini with partner David Armstrong, who wore his trunks for a James Bond themed dip.

Mum-of-two Sarah, 29, of Irvine, who volunteers with CLIC Sargent, said: "At first it was really cold but when you are out there the atmosphere is good."