While most people across the country choose to spend the first morning of a new year tucked up in bed until it's time to rise for some lunchtime turkey leftovers, spare a thought for those fund-raisers who elect to awake early, with notes of Auld Lang Syne still ringing in their ears, and head to the seaside at Saundersfoot for a nice brisk dip in the briny. The 24th annual Saundersfoot New Year's Day Charity Swim saw 804 brave bathers take the plunge following a lengthy sprint down the sands. With BBC sports presenter Rachel Treadaway- Williams opening the day's proceedings, it was the thousands of spectators gathered on the village's beach and harbourside who experienced the first soaking, as the skies opened just before the dash for the sea began with the traditional launch of a maroon by HM Coastguard. Among the characters in fancy dress who had recovered from the previous night's celebrations and were keen to mark the start of 2007 with a splash were stars from film and television such as Darth Vader, Lara Croft, Batman and Robin, and a few penguins from Happy Feet. Other groups on display included a few worse for wear Maori Warriors, who had just been served their last orders at Tenby Rugby Club, while a flock of red robins from Stepaside Coachworks were still rocking from the night before. Even staff, pupils and friends of Saundersfoot School blossomed bright and early for the occasion. Entrants over the age of 18 could warm up with a mini bottle of whisky donated by Old Pulteney, while there was also free cawl on offer for those who didn't fancy the hair of the dog. Winners of the best fancy dressed team were the Royal Oak with their Gentlemen's Club. They went home with a prize of 10 tickets to Bath Racecourse, donated by local boy John Williams, while runners- up in the same category, Stepaside Coachworks and their Rockin Robins, won a family ticket to Oakwood. Best individual fancy dressed entrant was Chris Williams in the guise of The A-Team's B. A. Baracus, although some hungover spectators had incorrectly identified him as a chimney sweep wearing bling! Martyn Williams, chairman of Saundersfoot Festivities Association, which organises the swim, was once again delighted with the response to the event. "We've had a tremendous amount of coverage this year in the newspapers and on the radio; the swim certainly does make for a magnificent spectacle and just continues to get bigger and better every year. "Well done to all the fancy dressed fund-raisers who took part and made sure the spectators had a great start to the new year," added Martyn, who himself donned a 'Julius Caesar' outfit to take the plunge. "We'd like to thank the sponsors Oakwood, Powells Cottage Holidays, all the businesses, shops, pubs, restaurants and everyone involved in making the whole day something which has now become a main event on the calendar for locals and people from further afield," he continued. Teams of more than four people who entered the swim and would like to receive their 'Blue Tit Award' certificate, can do so by contacting Martyn on 01834 813039, while all swimmers raising at least £100 are awarded with a certificate. "We've also been inundated with requests for the official 2007 Swim polo shirts sponsored by Kukri, which many locals were wearing on the day. Anyone wishing to order one can do so by contacting me," said Martyn. Powells Cottage Holidays, meanwhile, have sponsored a free holiday for the fund-raiser with the highest amount of sponsorship, who will also be awarded the 'Betty Duncan Award'. So far, the Saundersfoot Swims have raised in excess of £175,000 for charity, with last year's swim raising over £25,000. Monday's bucket collection alone exceeded £2,000. Anyone wanting more information can check out the swim's official website at http://www.saundersfootnyds.co.uk">www.saundersfootnyds.co.uk, which will soon be updated to feature photographs from this year's event, along with stories and pictures from years gone by.