Hundreds of spectators lined along The Pier today to watch the mad and crazy characters of the town take part in Deal’s annual Boxing Day dip.

This year, the daring dippers were raising money for Deal and District Strokes and Deal Breast Feeding Support Group, charities chosen by Deal Icebreakers, who organise the event.

As soon as 11am struck, characters including superman, the power rangers and the 118 men wasted no time in plunging into the 9.8 degree water.

Margaret Edwards, who has run the event for 34 years, said: “The sea is a little colder this year but it’s calm.”

She added: “The turnout has been fantastic. There’s lots more people here than last year.”

Trio Sarah Dales, Carol Cory and Millie Cory were taking on the chilly challenge dressed as Oompa Loompas from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

An orange faced Mrs Cory said she was doing it in memory of her mother - Kit Gisby - who used to help organise the charity extravaganza.

She said: “She did it up until she was 70 and she said the only way she’d stop is if I took over from her.”

Together the women have raised £250.

Kerry Rubins made the plunge for the tenth time. She donated her sponsors to this year’s chosen charities but still dressed in pink to raise awareness for Breakthrough Breast Cancer, a charity she is an ambassador for.

But the best costume award, if it existed, would have gone to Boxing Day dip veteran Jamie Stenhouse who came dressed in a wedding dress. He was raising funds for Cancer Research UK.

Deal and Dover MP Charlie Elphicke who had said he’d take on the challenge was a no show.

Mrs Edwards said the total amount of money raised will not be known until all sponsorship has been handed in. The figure is likely to be announced at the end of January.

Dippers in Dover also took the plunge, at the later time of midday. The event at Dover Esplanade was organised by Dover Sea Sports and Dover Lifeguard Club.

For the full story and more pictures, pick up the Mercury out on Thursday.