Choirboys, Vikings, Mexicans, boxers, pink bunny rabbits, Hawaiian dancers and even a duo of Father Christmases were among over 400 brave bathers who splashed their way into the New Year on Wednesday.

Undeterred by the miserable weather conditions and the quarter-of-a-mile mini-marathon dash to the briny, 444 plus swimmers welcomed 2003 in fine style when they took the plunge in Saundersfoot's 20th New Year's Day Charity Swim.

On the stroke of 11.30 am, Mr. Paddy McNamara, of event sponsors Oakwood, led the huge crowd of spectators 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.

For some it was a sprint to the sea in an attempt to not only keep some part of their anatomy warm but also shake off the excess of the night before, while for others it was a leisurely stroll, taking the plaudits from cheering onlookers that lined the route stretching down to the tide.

A real family event, swim entrants of all ages were drawn from all sections of the community and whilst many donned colourful fancy dress outfits, others were heroic enough strip off and brave the water in traditional bathing costumes and swimming trunks.

Winner of the individual fancy dress award was 57-year-old Michael Jenkins, whose moonwalker costume caught the eye of the judge, chairman of the village's community council, Clr. Don Poole, who gave the group prize to the Saundersfoot Safety Boat Appeal entry from The Deck.

But taking part in the swim was Michael's second challenge of the day, for he had to cycle to and from his home in Cresselly to take part in the January 1 dip to raise funds for the Special Care Baby Unit at Withybush Hospital.

Among some of the regular faces making their usual splash were Gethin Evans, Mick Hamilton, John Joseph and Chris Williams, who maintained their record of taking part in every swim since the start of the event .

Although the tide was a fair way out, those taking part found that Mother Nature had compensated somewhat with the sea temperature, with many rating it as one of the warmest ever dips.

Once again, the Pembrokeshire participants were joined by swimmers from not only England and Wales, but a contingent of Mick Hamilton's friends and family from Ireland, plus some Australians who also entered into the spirit joining in the celebrations.

Chairman of swim organisers, Saundersfoot Festivities Association, Martyn Williams said afterwards: "It's been absolutely brilliant. The weather was kind to us over the time of the swim, which attracted one of the largest ever fields and there really was a great atmosphere both on the beach and around the village afterwards.

"So far we have presented 444 medals, but we know that there were people who took part that did not collect their medal before leaving the beach and so we would ask anyone who did not have a medal to call into Evans Newsagents to pick theirs up," continued Mr. Williams, who also took to the waves along with his three sons.

"Thank goodness the tide was out otherwise I don't know where everyone would have gone," he smiled.

"Obviously the water was cold, but it was one of the easiest because it has been so mild," added Mr. Williams, who also revealed that Oakwood had given their backing to the swim for 2004 with Mr. McNamara also promising to take part next January.

After warming up around the beach bonfire constructed by Roger Stephens, Roger Hayes and Chris Williams, the hardy swimmers were presented with their medals from Peter Williams, retired headteacher of Tenby Junior School, who over the years has taken part in many swims and Gareth Jenkins, director of rugby at Llanelli RFC, who was joined in the crowd by former Welsh rugby prop, Lawrence Delaney.

As usual, safety cover was provided by Tenby Coastguard Unit, St. John Ambulance, Tenby Surf Lifesaving Club, Tenby inshore lifeboat and Pembroke Canoe Club, while the festivities were again compered by DJ Benny Bond, Kevin Lloyd.

As well as being a spectacle to herald the New Year, the swim raises large sums of money for charity.

Last year a record-breaking £15,000 was raised for charity and the organisers are forecasting another bumper payout this year when the main beneficiaries will include Macmillan Cancer Relief, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, Leukaemia, Diabetes Wales, Air Ambulance Wales, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Cancer Research, Crossroads, LATCH, NSPCC, Barnardos and the RNLI, as well as swimmers individually chosen charities.

Already the bucket collection has topped previous amounts, raising a magnificent £2,000 and swimmers are urged to hand their sponsorship money into Evans Newsagents, Walk on Water and Instrand as soon as possible so that this year's total can be calculated.

In addition, anyone who participated in a group for the swim and has not already done so is asked to give their team name to Mr. Williams on (01834) 813039.