A record-breaking shoal of brave festive bathers have taken part in the annual Tenby Boxing Day Swim.

Over 700 swimmers stampeded into the calm waters of the resort’s North Beach on Wednesday morning - the highest number of entrants in the event’s 48-year history.

With an air temperature of 10 degrees and no wind chill, the swim also enjoyed some of its best-ever weather conditions.

However, seasoned swimmers reckoned that the sea - with a temperature of 7 degrees - made for a chillier dip than last year.

Thousands of spectators packed the beach and lined every vantage point to enjoy the silly spectacle of the charity event.

The fancy dress theme of Space Travel attracted some out-of-this-world costumes, with aliens, Star Wars, the planets and even a giant space rocket making an appearance.

Said Tenby’s Mayor, Councillor Sue Lane: “Just how wonderful is the Tenby Boxing Day Swim! This morning has been absolutely brilliant and there are more people here than ever. I’ve spoken to visitors from all over the world.

“Congratulations to all the organisers – this is a really good event.”

Added swim chairman Chris Osborne: “We’re delighted with the success of the swim. We’ve had ideal weather conditions, an excellent turnout and some impressive fancy dress.”

The mild weather saw people making their way to the beach earlier than usual on Boxing Day morning, and the crowds were entertained by festive music and commentary from Steve Briers.

The Pembrokeshire Paddlers entered enthusiastically into their annual Boxing Day kayak challenge, and the winner was Rowan Kettle.

Meanwhile, the Osborne family kept the Daitanic Raft Race tradition going with their home-made craft, and both Tenby lifeboats launched and stood by close to the beach.

The mayor judged the fancy dress and awarded the adult group prize to Skanda Vale, who are raising money for their hospice project.

Tenby Church in Wales Primary School’s aliens won the children’s group, with Oliver Monk as a Dalek winning the individual child prize.

Sian Culley’s silver NASA costume won her the solo adult prize.

Prizes were donated by Heatherton World of Adventure, Sainsbury’s, Clarice Toys and Lindholme Hotel.

Swimmers emerged from the water to the warming sight of a beach bonfire, which, for the first time this year, was under the supervision of Tenby RAF Air Cadets.

Brave bathers were also able to claim their commemorative medal, and to enjoy hot soup served by Tenby Lions.

The swim is organised by Tenby Sea Swimming Association, whose nominated charities this year are the Huntington’s Disease Association, Tenby RNLI and the Stroke Association.

Swimmers also collected for their own charities and good causes, which this year included the Samaritans, COPD, Mind, Epilepsy Action and the Royal British Legion.

The swim is sponsored by FBM Holidays, Harbour Wealth Management and Princes Gate Spring Water.

See today’s Observer for more pictures of the swim.