The festive season often sees people taking an organised dip in the sea – but sporty folk in Looe have taken the tradition to another level.

They have gone for a swim in the icy water after completing a run.

The events on Christmas Eve were organised by the Looe Pioneers running club and the Looe Sea Swimmers. 

The groups arranged joint activities with two run options and a festive dip or swim. One set of runners completed the Looe 10-Miler ‘hillish and hellish’ course while another, including Looe Cross-fit members, took on a five-kilometre circuit from Hannafore.

"These then culminated at the finish line with the Looe Sea Swimmers annual get-together with many of the people who ran also joining in for the dip. 

Guy Cooper from Looe Sea Swimmers and a coach at the Looe Pioneers said: “The two events were planned so that people could run and swim – as many wanted to participate in both events.

"Well over 50 people took part in the five-kilometre run. The swim attracted even more people with around 70 people taking part in the festive Santa splash on Looe beach.”