Preparations are well in hand for one of South East Cornwall’s biggest festive events.

The volunteer crew at Looe Lifeboat Station are organising the sixth annual Looe New Year’s Day Dip.

The event starts at 11am on East Looe beach with the kind permission of East Looe Town Trust.

A buoy will be anchored 20 or 30 metres offshore for the swimmers - but organisers say you could just run in and back out if you fancy a dip rather than a swim.

You can watch the intrepid bathers from the beach, seafront or Banjo Pier.

Swimmers can join organisers from 10am to register, sign a waiver form and listen to the safety briefing.

Fancy dress from the night before is optional. Refreshments will be available in the station boathouse afterwards.

Entry is free, however participants are encouraged to make a donation to Looe RNLI.

Jay Curtis of Looe RNLI said: ‘This is the sixth time we have run this event and it increases in popularity each year.

‘Our main aim is to have fun and see in the New Year with a bracing dip in Looe Bay.

‘Looe is always busy over the New Year and we hope as many people as possible will join us and raise funds for Looe RNLI in the process.’

Crew members organising the event will be keeping a close eye on the weather and sea conditions and may have to make a last-minute decision as to the safety of the dip.

All relevant information and updates will be posted on the Looe Lifeboat Station and The Famous Looe New Year’s Day Dip Facebook pages.