On Sunday, Saundersfoot's band of brave bathers are set to celebrate 2006 in style by taking the plunge in the annual New Year's Day Swim. This must-see occasion begins at 11.30 am on January 1, with numerous hardy groups and individuals all keen to cure their festive hangovers with a spot of fund-raising fun and a dip in the sea. Now in its 23rd year, the event, which raised over £25,000 for charity last year, is boosted by support from main sponsors Oakwood, with whisky company Old Pulteney also assisting with sponsorship. The 2005 swim saw almost 700 bathers, including over 200 'plucky penguins' from Saundersfoot CP School don fancy-dress attire to get a good soaking for the cause. People taking part in the swim are able to nominate who they would like to receive sponsorship, with forms still available from In Strand, Evans, and local public houses in the village. A band of merry fund- raisers will also be on hand with collecting boxes for anyone who wishes to make a donation or two. The bar staff of local pubs and clubs will be kitted out in specially designed commemorative t-shirts bearing the slogan 'Who Dares Swims', which have been provided by the Saundersfoot Festivities Association and Oakwood. Joining retired headteacher of Tenby Junior School and former swim stalwart Peter Williams in presenting the participants with their medals will be Scarlets and Lions coach Gareth Jenkins, while the swimmers will initially be given their starting orders by Wales and British Lions rugby star Brent Cockbain. As well as medals, swimmers over 18 years of age will also receive a small drop of Old Pulteney single malt to help them recover! Chris Williams, of the Saundersfoot Festivities Association, is again hoping that this year's event will be bigger and better than last year. "Last year's swim was spectacular, so we're hoping for another cracking response again this year," he said. "The locals really join in with the spirit of things and create a fantastic community atmosphere that welcomes all who want to get involved. "After the event, the celebrations will continue, with all the local pubs providing plenty of entertainment, food and drink to enjoy, so I'm sure everyone will stick around long into the night to mark the turn of the year," he added. The Captain's Table, Royal Oak and Monkstone will all be providing cawl for the swimmers after the presentations of the medals and will be open for an early morning start at 10 am. From 2.30 pm, the Captain's Table will have live entertainment from Rockin Rod, with a bottle bar and barbecue also provided. So to make a spectacular start to 2006, why not join in the fun on the shores of Saundersfoot beach on New Year's Day at 11.30 am.