What a fantastic spectacle Saundersfoot's New Year's Swim was last Saturday. The enormous crowd which, according to police sources, exceeded 6,000 was regally entertained.

Among those thoroughly enjoying the event were Wales and British Lion scrum-half Mike Phillips together with Pembrokeshire's own 'Duffy'.

It is little wonder that this is the only Welsh event in the Daily Telegraph's 'Top Ten Festive Activities in Britain'.

A record-breaking 1,307 swimmers raced to the sea, watched by thousands of cheering spectators in ideal weather conditions, as predicted by BBC weatherman, Derek Brockway!

And such was the success of the plunge that it's been hailed as 'the best ever' by the organisers.

Prior to the dash for the splash, the swimmers and crowd were entertained by a section of Greenhill's Brass Band and an excellent warm-up routine led by Tenby Leisure Centre's Sharon Lloyd. She got the swimmers moving to her Zumba music and the Swim's anthem, 'Rocking all over the World'.

Integral to the Swim is compere Kevin Lloyd, who used all his professional skills when announcing the overall winner of this year's new addition – 'The Swim Factor'.

Of the four finalists, it was Tenby's very own David 'Lalu' Lewis who was chosen ahead of his Saundersfoot rivals to be the first winner of Swim Factor.

The added bonus for Lalu, much to his obvious delight, was the opportunity to be the first in the water, wearing goggles and arm bands from the Swim Factor sponsors, The Chemist Inn.

Auditions for Swim Factor 2012 will take place during the next few weeks with the only stipulation being that contestants have to be NYDS virgins.

The swim itself was started by local celebrity zoo-owner Anna Ryder-Richardson upon the release of a firework display, thanks to Westcoast Fireworks.

Anna Ryder-Richardson also led the main body of swimmers into the icy waters to the roar of the cheering crowd. The huge crowd provided a guard of honour to the swimmers right down to the sea.

Among those taking part were Chris Williams and John Joseph who have never missed a swim in the event's 27 year history.

While some dippers were brave enough to wear only traditional bathing attire, others donned colourful and wacky fancy dress costumes. Winner of the individual fancy dress was Stephen Hart (Basher) as Bash the New Year, while group winners were Stepaside Coachworks with their Popemobile.

So often the bridesmaids, it was fitting that after a long list of excellent costumes they at last pleased the chief judge, Stephen Swales.

Stephen wanted also to give a special mention to the Space Cowboys from Malin House, the Lewis girls as the Snow Queens, the Heywood, Harris and Edwards family as Lego Men, the Whitlow Nomads as Pirates of the Caribbean, Wogan Guest House's 30-strong Thomas the Tank, Saundersfoot School's Super Heroes and Mick Booth as Captain Scott. John Joseph's disguise as a Chilean miner was not considered by the judge as he did not surface in time for the judging!

Chairman of organisers, Saundersfoot Festivities, Martyn Williams, said: "Again we have exceeded expectation and have broken all records. Twenty-seven years on and this event is getting bigger and better, with thousands of pounds being raised for charity. The people from Saundersfoot and surrounding areas have come out in force to support this unique event."

Mr. Williams added: "I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of the 2011 sponsors who with their financial support allow us to maximise the potential of the event."

Main sponsor for the event was Powell's Cottage Holidays, with other sponsors including N. D. Toy and Partners Independent Financial, Mortgage and Equity Release Advisers, BMW Green Bower, Neil Finlay Cars, Chevron, Folly Farm, Silcox Coaches, Tenby Glass, Wogan Guest House, The Sign Box, County Financial Consultants, Dragon Catering, Silver Strand, F B Mason, Sunny Vale Holiday Park, Heatherton, The Olde Chemist Inn and Dilligaf Cellar Bar and Bluestone National Park Resort.

Saundersfoot Festivities would also like to thank the following who played a part in making the 2011 swim the most successful to date: Evans' Newsagents, Ritchie Preece, Rhodri Lewis (music), Jo Randells (Mira Motion Pictures), Gareth Morris (Pembrokeshire Radio), Butch, Roger Hayes, Davy Young and all the bucket collectors.

Many thanks also to the various services represented at the Swim, which included Tenby and District Fire Brigade, HM Coastguard, St. John Ambulance, Pembroke Paddlers, Tenby Surf Life Saving Club and RNLI lifeguards.

The 2011 Swim pictures taken by Gareth Davies, can be viewed on the website http://www.saundersfootnyds.co.uk">www.saundersfootnyds.co.uk.

Also video footage can be viewed on You Tube.

All swimmers are reminded to hand their sponsor money into Evans' Newsagents by January 31, 2011.

The theme for the 2012 swim has already been chosen. It will be the Olympics, in celebration of the forthcoming London games.

Martyn Williams said: "The 2012 swim is likely to be the first event of the 2012 calendar, so it really couldn't have been anything else."