Skinny dippers in sunrise swim

Hundreds of people have braved the cold to attempt to set a new world record for the biggest ever skinny dip and raise money for charity.

The North East Skinny Dip took place in Druridge Bay, in Northumberland, where a crowd of just over 200 people ran into the sea at sunrise.

The event was organised to try and break the world record for the most people taking part, as well as raise money for mental health charity Mind. Unfortunately the organisers said they think the numbers fell short of breaking the record.

People taking part said they also used it to celebrate their bodies as well as mark the Autumn Equinox.

Organiser Jacqueline Higginson, 34, from Whitburn, said: "Today loads of us ran naked into the sea to raise money for Mind and to celebrate ourselves and our bodies.

"I did a skinny dip last year where we broke the world record, I don't think there was enough to do it today but there was enough of us for it to be a lot of fun.

"We chose Mind because I feel very close to the issues around mental health both personally and as a paramedic as I see it all around me. And hopefully I think we have raised thousands of pounds for Mind."

Last year, a skinny dip was held at Rhossili beach in Wales, where more than 400 people plunged naked into the sea and raised money for cancer and the National Trust.

Ms Higginson took part in that event and that gave her the inspiration to organise a similar event in the North East.

The National Trust, which owns the section of beach they used, gave their permission for the cheeky event to take place.