DOZENS of waders braved the chill to take part in a brand new event.

Weymouth beach was buzzing for the Weymouth and Portland Lions Club’s Weymouth Wade.

A few special characters – including Demonia the Sea Witch from Pirates of the Caribbean and Roger the Lion – were on hand to help former Carnival Queen Gina Hartley to kick the event off with a warm-up session.

More than 50 waders took to the sea and splashed their way from the Pavilion to a point level with the Kings Statue, then jogged back along the sands to finish. 

They were joined by Gina, another former Carnival Queen Lucy Compton, current Carnival Queen Claudia Webb and Mayoress Caroline Churchill.

Several waders who took part were raising money for youngsters Imogen and Molly, both 14, who have been selected to compete as part of Team England at the Dance World Cup in June. 

They need to raise £400 to cover entry fees, kit and travel costs.

One of the Lion’s organisers, Bob Underwood said: “This is a new event for the club and we didn’t know whether or not it would work, so we were a little bit apprehensive. 

“We’ve been busy planning it for several months and we were delighted when the sun came out and stayed out, and 50 people joined in for the first Weymouth Wade. 

“So a big thank you to all of them to making the event a great success. 

“Financially we probably broke even, which is not important for a first event, however, we believe several hundred pounds has been raised by waders through their sponsorship, which makes it all worthwhile.”

Lions club spokesman Norman Apps previously said the group came up with the idea for a brand new event to kickstart the season and make the most of the beach.

Gina added: “The Lions always run good events and it was exciting to be part of a new one, which I’m sure will be very popular.”

The club has already decided to run it again next year and organisers said it will hopefully become another great Weymouth tradition, similar to the Lions Christmas Day harbour swim. 

n To donate to Imogen and Molly and help them compete in the Dance World Cup, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/imogenandmolly TEAMENGLAND