HUNDREDS of brave Ayrshire residents turned up at Irvine Beach this New Year’s Day to take to its cold waters for charity.

The cold water “Polar Plunge” was back this year after its cancellation in 2021 due to coronavirus restrictions.

According to reports, almost £10,000 was collectively raised for individual charities like Beatson Cancer and British Heart Foundation as well as other good causes.

A registered 150 water-goers took part on the day, though there were reportedly many more.

Iain Boyd, co-ordinator at Coastwatch Irvine said: “It was quite a sunny day but it was very windy and it had a high tide, which is more than what we anticipated.

“Overall it was a big success, there was the brass band there and the fundraisers were great.

“Altogether we think there was £10,000 raised for charity, that’s a mix of charities and good causes, it was all great.

"We were all socially distanced in the water and it was family fun.”