Lions club members were down at Weymouth Harbour this week testing the waters for the annual Christmas Day Swim.

The popular event is fast approaching and is expected to bring thousands of people from far and wide to the town.

The Weymouth and Portland Lions Club were assisted by the Mayor and Mayoress of Weymouth and Portland, Cllr Kevin Brookes and Anne Brookes, Muddles, the court jester played by Gwynfryn West, from the production of Sleeping Beauty, and the big man himself - Father Christmas.

With just under two weeks to go to the big event, the team think the water is just about right.

More than 170 people have already signed up for the swim but the more the merrier and Lions members are hoping to see more put their name down.

Last year more than £20,000 was raised for a host of charities and Lions Club member Norman Apps is hoping for a record-breaker this year.

Every year thousands of people line the harbour at Weymouth to witness the brave souls who dive into the icy waters in the name of charity.

The event has now become a landmark event for the town.

Nearly 400 swimmers took the plunge last year - some taking it a step further in fancy dress - and this year is expected to be no different.

Final preparations are now underway for this brrrilliant event and Mr Apps is urging those who want to take part to purchase a ticket online.

For safety reasons the event is broken down into groups of up to 50 swimmers.

Swimmers are encouraged to raise sponsorship for Weymouth and Portland Lions Club or their own charity.

On the big day, registration will open at 9.45am and is open to ticket holders only.

Registration will close at 10.45am with the first swim at 11am.

Everyone taking part should gather at The Hall of Hope United Reformed Church, Trinity Street, Weymouth and not in the Old Rooms as in previous years.

For more information or if you are brave enough to book your place visit weymouthlionsclub.co.uk/are-you-ready-for-the-christmas-day-harbour-swim-2017