What a way to spend Christmas day - PHOTO

The brave participants launched themselves into the sea in Exmouth, Devon for the annual swim. Among some of the unusual outfits on display were people dressed as whoopie cushions, a man in a Borat-style mankini and groups of Santa's, elves and snowflakes. The swimmers dashed across the beach before jumping into the sea in the tradition which began in the late 1960s.Amy Preston, 22, from Exmouth, braved the icy water at 11am with her family.She said: 'I've done this swim for years - it's become a real tradition for me and my family. 'I wasn't expecting it to be as busy as usual because of the stormy weather but the turnout was great.'It was pretty cold but I managed to stay in for over five minutes which is much longer than I usually manage. 'Christmas just wouldn't be the same without the Exmouth swim.'David Knight, 33, an engineer from Torquay, braved the swim in speedo swimming trunks with several of his pals.He said: 'It was a bit chilly today but once you got going it was fine.'The atmosphere here is always amazing and really gets you into the Christmas spirit - I find the swim helps me build my appetite for a Christmas turkey.'The Exmouth Christmas day swim began when local Ken Cunningham took a dip with pals Peter Horne, Stan Jordan, Nick Hockings, David Hart and Miss Ireland.Nearly 50 years later, the original six swimmers has grown to thousands from across the globe.Many taking part take up the challenge to raise money for charity.(dailymail.co.uk)ANN.Az