People across the country enjoyed milder conditions as they went swimming outdoors to kick off their Christmas Day celebrations.

Some members of the Serpentine Swimming Club who took part in the Peter Pan Cup race, which is held every Christmas Day at the Serpentine, in Hyde Park, central London, wore Santa hats for their festive dip.

The race is believed to be the world’s oldest continuously contested swimming competition, having been run since 1864.

It has been associated with the author JM Barrie since 1903 when he donated the Peter Pan Cup.

The air temperature in London was a mild 12C, meaning the swimmers faced less of a chill than in previous years.

Meanwhile, in Tynemouth, North Tyneside, smaller groups took to the North Sea for a bracing swim.

The sea was calm and around 6C, slightly cooler than the air temperature on the North East coast on Christmas Day.

And in Felixstowe, more than 600 fundraisers took part in a dip in aid of the St Elizabeth Hospice, which helps families in Suffolk.

People donned fancy dress, including elf outfits, Santa and his reindeer and a T-rex, to crunch across the shingle beach before dipping into the chilly sea.

Delilah Reynolds, 10, took part in the hospice fundraiser with her grandfather David, and she said: “I was bit scared before doing the dip, but it was a lot of fun.

“The water was cold, but it was really fun seeing lots of people wearing their Christmas outfits. I hope today helps everyone the hospice looks after.”

Her grandfather said: “The morning was a brilliant start to our Christmas Day, full of community spirit and a lovely festive atmosphere.”