Hundreds of bathers who took the plunge in Tenby's 40th Boxing Day Swim on the coldest Christmas on record have raised thousands of pounds for charity by their brave efforts.

Nearly 400 swimmers took to the water for the Big Red Swim from a snowy North Beach, where the fancy dress theme of 'red' brought out dragons, devils, ladybirds and even a big red bus.

Over £11,500 was raised by the bathers, including £3,200 for Ty Hafan, the charity chosen by event organisers, Tenby Sea Swimming Association.

"This special swim yet again proved to be stronger than the weather," said TSSA chairman Chris Osborne. "Whilst snow may have deterred some of the swimmers and audience numbers of other years, the funds raised from sponsorship of the swimmers more than compensated."

The swim, sponsored by FBM Holidays, Celvac, Jago and Trefloyne Manor, has grown to be ranked as one of Britain's top festive highlights, as well as a major fundraiser.

The largest individual total was collected by the Mayor of Pembroke, Clr. Keith Nicholas, and a group of swimmers representing Pembroke Town Council, who raised £1,426 for the Mencap Gardens at Stackpole and were awarded the Idris Morgan Cup.

The highest-sponsored junior swimmer, who won the Sue Lane Trophy, was Billy Drury, of Tenby, who raised £640.81.

Swim stalwart Jane Hewitt, of Spittal, won the TSSA shield for the highest total raised for swim charities. She contributed £430, with a further £400 to Spittal Church. Jane and family members also won the Goscar Oscar for the highest sponsored group, raising £930.

There were also a number of other superb fundraising efforts, including Pembrokeshire Special Needs Gym, who raised £595, the Osborne family with £605 and the £655 raised by Julie Jenkins and Nicole Evans and their families, in memory of their dad, Jock Best, who died on Boxing Day.

TSSA also donated £200 each to the organisations who contribute to the smooth running of the swim - St. John Ambulance, Tenby Surflink, Tenby Coastguard, Tenby RNLI, Pembrokeshire Paddlers and Tenby Sea Cadets.

• All unclaimed awards and certificates can be collected from the Fourcroft Hotel, Tenby. For a sponsor form for the 2011 swim, or to see pictures from last year's event, visit http://www.tenbyboxingdayswim.co.uk">www.tenbyboxingdayswim.co.uk