The Grey Dippers: Fundraising to conclude on Boxing Day

The local fund-raising legends have been venturing out for some cold water therapy since the beginning of November in their efforts to raise funds for the North Ayrshire Foodbank.

The nine-strong group set a target of 275 dips into the open water - and have already smashed that target as they prepare for the final day's dip on Boxing Day.

Now, they are inviting the community down to join them for their final venture into the sea from Ardrossan beach - across from St Peter's Church - at 12pm on December 26.

The group - Lee Riddex, Tam Kane, James McLeod, James Booth, Colin Booth, Gordon Woods, Joe Smith, Tony Clarke, and David Kane - offered the same invite as they completed the same fundraising challenge last year, with hundreds of people turning up to offer their support and join in.

Though it should come as no surprise giving the momentous effort the group have put in - and the outstanding funds raised for the local food bank.

Last year, a cheque for £24,682 was handed over to the charity on Boxing Day, and this year should see yet another five-figure sum raised from their efforts.

The group's online fund-raising page shows that over £37,000 has been raised over the past two years - with that total only set to grow.

For anyone wishing to make a donation, the group's fundraising page is available at tinyurl.com/thegreydippers.

The group commented: "We'd love to see as many of you as possible at 12 o'clock as we close off another years challenge and hand over the cheque to North Ayrshire Foodbank."