Those looking for a fresh start to 2023 can certainly blow away the cobwebs and enjoy a blast of fresh air with a New Year's Day dip.
The idea of bracing the morning chill and running straight into the North Sea might not be everybody's cup of tea but - like Boxing Day dips - it has caught on and an annual January 1 dip has become a tradition for lots of people in the North East, some choosing to don fancy dress for the occasion or raise money for charity.
Spectators often turn out to watch as crowds of hardy dippers line up on the beach ahead of a dash into the chilly sea. This year, however, there appear to be no official events arranged, although that does not mean that keen swimmers won't be making plans of their own.
