Polar diving: Brave swimmers celebrate Christmas with a jump into the sea

As far as Christmas traditions go, an outdoor bath is not for the faint of heart.

However, the cold winter temperatures across the UK did not stop hundreds of people from taking a dip in lakes, ponds and the sea.

In London, the Serpentine Swimming Club hosted its Peter Pan Cup race, which was first held in 1864.

Elsewhere, brave swimmers have also been sponsored for charity, such as at Boscombe Pier in Bournemouth, Dorset, where the White Christmas Dip event raised funds for Macmillan Caring Locally.