Over 500 hardy souls had a splashing start to 2004 when they took the plunge in Saundersfoot's New Year's Day Charity Swim.

Although the skies had cleared after a stormy New Year's Eve and last Thursday dawned dry and bright, the best-ever turnout of 544 brave bathers experienced chilly sea temperatures in their bid to raise bumper sums for charity.

Spectators, who were out in their thousands and donated over £2,000 to the bucket collection, thronged every vantage point above the beach and helped compere, DJ Benny Bond (Kevin Lloyd), in a grand countdown to a firework launch courtesy of Chris Allen, of Narberth-based Westcoast Firework Company, which sent the dippers on their way to the waves.

Paddy McNamara, of event sponsors Oakwood, was among the entrants of all ages and from all sections of the community, not only from Saundersfoot, but from all over Wales, England and beyond, to take the plunge.

Crazy participants in the tiniest of trunks and teeny-weeny bikinis lined up with a colourful array of imaginative fancy dress competitors, including pirates, Hawaiian dancers, Mexicans, Father Christmases, clowns and witches and a whole host more.

Winner of the best individual fancy dress, judged by chairman of the village's community council, Clr. Mrs. Rosemary Hayes, was 'Rocket Man' Michael Jenkins, who not only cycled from his home in Cresselly, but also pedalled into the waves, while the group prize went to the feathered flock from Stepaside Coachworks, who were raising money for Diabetes Wales as 'Please do not feed the Saundersfoot seagulls'. A special award also went to the lively Chinese dragon from Saundersfoot CP School.

Among the regular faces making their usual splash and maintaining their record of taking part in every single Saundersfoot swim were Gethin Evans, Mick Hamilton, Chris Williams and John Joseph, who became 'Lord of the beach', sporting a spectacular 'Gandolf' costume from the blockbuster, 'Lord of the Rings'.

And it was John's son, Adam, who was one of the first to sprint into the water, while chairman of event organisers, Saundersfoot Festivities Association, Martyn Williams, was a strong contender for the bravest of brave award, being one of the last out of the water, accompanied by 'Ali G', alias Dave Young, of Saundersfoot, who raised £1,200 for charity and took part in the dip, with his ankle in plaster. Dave won the Betty Duncan Shield for the highest sponsored swimmer last year and looks set to be a strong contender again this year.

Also helping to make this year's plunge a record breaker were a quartet of world record holders - the Mason sisters, who entered the world record books in 2002 when they became the first five sisters to complete the London Marathon.

Dressed as witches, Denise, Frederica, Valerie and Sandra were raising money for children with leukaemia.

The wet survivors were presented with medals by Peter and Sue Williams and Llanelli Scarlets coach, Gareth Jenkins, who was full of praise for the event, the swimmers and the organisers.

As usual, safety cover was provided by Tenby RNLI, Tenby Coastguard, Tenby Surf and Rescue and the St. John Ambulance, while the beach bonfire was constructed by Roger Hayes, Roger Stephens and Chris Williams.

This year's main beneficiaries will include Macmillan Cancer Relief, Myrddin Special Needs Unit, Carmarthen, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, Leukaemia, Diabetes Wales, Air Ambulance Wales, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Cancer Research, NSPCC, Barnardos and the RNLI, as well as swimmers' individually chosen charities.

Said Martyn Williams afterwards: "We are really delighted. We had an absolutely fantastic day and have never given out so many medals. The weather suited us and the village was heaving all day."

He also extended his thanks to everyone who had helped and contributed to make the event a success, including Jewsons, Dave Williams and Michael and Richard Merriman.

Swimmers are urged to hand their sponsorship money into Evans Newsagents as soon as possible, so this year's total can be calculated in readiness for the presentation evening in the spring. And whilst doing so, sponsor forms can also be picked up for the 2005 dip!