Tenby’s famous Boxing Day Swim splashed out for the 53rd time this morning with a special tribute to Wales.

The event is one of the country’s top festive highlights. Those taking the plunge this year, took on the fancy dress theme of All Things Welsh.

Well known local actor Joshua Richards, who plays Bear Wolf in Emmerdale, started the 52nd annual Tenby Boxing Day Swim with the ceremonial 'dropping of the rope' to start the dash to the sea, as a record-breaking 1,225 swimmers charged down the resort’s North Beach into the chilly sea.

This year’s headline sponsors are Tenby Harbwr Brewery and Tap Rooms, known for their locally brewed ales and the home of the most photographed lane in Wales, Sergeants Lane. Harbwr Brewery have been brewing a special beer for the occasion, and its name will be announced soon.

Many of Tenby’s independent businesses have all also come on board with sponsoring the event and donating prizes.

Every year, the swim raises money for good causes and this year supports the Tenby branch of the RNLI Branch of RNLI, Tenby Sea Cadets, Tenby’s Old Chapel Community Café and Sandy Bear Child Bereavement Charity.

The event is organised by the Tenby Sea Swimming Association.

Swim chairman Sam Skyrme-Blackhall said: “It’s been absolutely amazing – we had our biggest-ever turn-out of swimmers, loads of fantastic costumes and an electric atmosphere.

“This was Tenby at its best.”