Tenby's Boxing Day Swim has once again raised a serious amount of money through staging its annual silly spectacle.

With a record-breaking turnout of nearly 700 bathers, cheered on by crowds in their thousands, the event brought in more than £12,800 for a huge variety of charities and good causes.

"The swim is an event full of chaotic lunacy, but behind the madness is a desire by our participants to raise as much money as they can, and we are privileged to pass on the result of their efforts," said swim chairman, Chris Osborne, at Wednesday's presentation night.

Sponsored by FBM Holidays, Celva, Jago and Trefloyne Manor, the 2011 swim was also outstanding for its magnificent fancy dress on the 'Tenby on TV' theme, which was inspired by the year's five different television programmes featuring the resort.

Out of the total raised of £12,828, nearly £8,000 went to the causes nominated by the swim organiser, Tenby Sea Swimming Association (TSSA).

Domestic abuse charity Hafan Cymru, Cruse Bereavement Care and the Tinker's Hill Bird of Prey and Swan Rescue Centre all received £1,000, with a further £800 to Pembrokeshire Cancer Support.

There was also £175 each for the organisations who contribute to the smooth running of the swim - St. John Ambulance, Tenby Surf Lifesavers, Tenby Coastguard, Tenby RNLI, Pembrokeshire Paddlers and Tenby Sea Cadets.

The event's top-sponsored individual was David Northwood, who raised £1,200 for Myrddin Special Needs to claim the Idris Morgan Cup.

The Sue Lane Trophy for highest-sponsored junior swimmer went to Molly Bond, who raised £470. Eight-year-old Molly's 'Ten Bees on TV' costume had also won her one of the swim's fancy dress prizes.

The TSSA shield for the highest total raised for the nominated charities went to Andrew Jones, who had raised £405.

There were also a number of other superb fund-raising efforts for local, national and international charities. Amongst them was money raised for the Teenage Cancer Trust by Hannah Gwilliam, of Burton Ferry, who tragically lost her life to meningitis in January. TSSA will now be supporting a meningitis charity in her memory at the 2012 swim.