Boxing Day Dip organisers have announced the event will take place at an earlier time due to safety concerns.

The Rotary Club of Deal will send participants into the water at 9.30am, one and a half hours earlier than tradition sets out.

It comes amid fears there will not be sufficient space on the beach for participants because of a forecasted high tide.

The charity event, which takes place to the north side of Deal Pier, usually attracts thousands of spectators in addition to the hundreds of people who take part.

Committee member John Utting said: "Safety of the dippers is our paramount concern and to ensure we have sufficient beach for this very popular event, we've decided to hold the actual dip at the earlier time of 9.30am, with registration for check in open from 8.30am.

"Those who have already registered are being contact to advise them of the earlier 9.30am start time."

High tide on Thursday, December 26 is forecast for 11.11am at a height of 5.4metres.

In addition to space constraints, organisers are concerned that dippers could find themselves out of depth quite quickly as a result of a newly formed step, creating by the pebbles on the beach.

Mr Utting said: "The is not at all unusual, with similar or even higher tides occurring each month."

Although it's understood the time has never been altered in the event's 37 year history. It was cancelled once during the 80s due to stormy sea conditions.

He continued: "We feel sure this change will not affect the number of spectators and look forward to welcoming people along on what is our first year as organisers."

The Rotary Club of Deal has taken over the annual event from Margarets Edwards of Deal Icebreakers 1981 who hosted it for almost four decades.

They hope to make it their signature event.

Registration remains open for the event which raises money for a number of local area causes.

Entry is £5 via a new website: dealrotaryicebreakers.co.uk

On the day registration is £10. Queues are expected. The last day for registration is Sunday, December 15.

Coastguards and marshals will be in attendance to monitor activity in and near the water.

Deal Pier will be open thanks to Dover District Council which has agreed to cover the cost and Deal Pier Kitchen will also opening its doors from 8.30am to sell refreshments.

For more information call David Lister on 07875 956348.

Read more: All the latest news from Deal