Hundreds of people turned up for the annual Christmas Day swim this morning.

Crowds of swimmers and spectators gathered next to the Palace Pier from 10.30am.

Some swimmers braved the cold water in just a swimming costume or trunks, while others donned full wetsuits and Father Christmas outfits.

A calm sea and fine weather ensured that scores of swimmers waded into the water at 11am, some only lasted a few seconds while others splashed around for several minutes.

About 30 members of Brighton Swimming Club took part in the traditional event.

The bracing morning dip on December 25 has become something of a ritual among club members, with the first recorded session taking place in 1885.

Speaking before the event, club chairman John Ottaway said: "Some people stay in for a matter of seconds while others stay in for 15 minutes and swim between the piers. One or two even swim around Brighton Pier.

"It's a nice thing to do on Christmas morning. A lot of our members swim every day then go off to work.

"It's a day like any other for the majority of our swimmers but it is special in that we do have a big crowd watching us."

The club is due to celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2010.