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Weymouth's Christmas Day cross harbour swim held Weymouth's Christmas Day cross harbour swim held
(about 1 hour later)
About 250 swimmers are taking part in Dorset's annual Christmas Day cross harbour swim. About 250 swimmers have taken part in Dorset's annual Christmas Day cross harbour swim.
It is the 66th year the 73m-long (239ft) swim, from Old Rooms Inn to the Royal Dorset Yacht Club in Weymouth, has been held. Four races were held in the 66th, 73m-long (239ft) swim from the Old Rooms Inn to the Royal Dorset Yacht Club in Weymouth.
The charity event, which is organised by Weymouth and Portland Lions Club, started at 11:00 GMT. The event, organised by Weymouth and Portland Lions Club, raised more than £3,000 in entry fees and donations.
Organiser Mark Lockie described competitors as "crazy" for braving the cold sea. Organiser Mark Lockie said this year's races were some of the busiest in the event's history.
Two pub landlords started the event in 1947 and last year it attracted 237 swimmers.Two pub landlords started the event in 1947 and last year it attracted 237 swimmers.
Mr Lockie said: "The average water temperature is about 8C although it has been as low as 5C - but they're not deterred, they're crazy." Mr Lockie said: "The average water temperature is about 8C although it has been as low as 5C - but the swimmers were not deterred and took on the challenge.
The event features a family fun swim, two competitive swims for under 16s, a competitive ladies swim and an open competitive swim. "There was also great support from the public too this year, with around 4,000 watching on."
In 2012, the event raised more than £8,000 for a variety of local and national charities, including Help for Heroes and CLIC Sargent. The event featured a family fun swim, two competitive swims for under 16s, a competitive ladies swim and an open competitive swim, which received 50 entries.