Boxing Day Dip application form

Sunderland Lions Club is now accepting entries for this year's Boxing Day Dip.

Every year, hundreds of brave Wearsiders – and those from much farther afield – brave the freezing waters off Seaburn to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

But places are limited – health and safety considerations mean entries are strictly limited to 1,000, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Anyone taking part in the 35th annual dip is free to raise money for any charity they choose. The Lions take a small cut for their nominated charities from whatever is raised, in return for organising the event.

Last year, 942 people took to the waves, raising a total of £62,572 for 82 different organisations.

A beach collection by Lions Club members raised a further £1,470 for the organisation's own charities.

The dip attracts a collection of the most bizarre and outlandish costumes every year, with regular dippers competing to outdo each other in the fancy dress stakes.

Over the years, the participants have arrived as pirates, sailors, exotic dancers and even the Sacha Baron Cohen character Borat, to name but a few.

As usual, prize trophies will be up for grabs for the best fancy dress entries, both individuals and teams. The Lions Club holds a presentation evening each to reward the best entries.