Felixstowe Easter bunnies hop in the sea for postponed dip

Easter bunnies were joined by Father Christmases as they hopped into the sea for charity.

About 500 people took part in the dip at Felixstowe, Suffolk, in aid of St Elizabeth Hospice.

The annual fundraiser would normally take place on Christmas Day but had to be postponed due to bad weather.

The charity's Simon Ward said although had been disappointing to reschedule it was "great to have such high numbers" turn out.

He said there was a "great atmosphere" as the dippers dashed into the sea, which he said was "like a millpond".

Other costumes included nuns, Frozen characters Olaf and Elsa and a reindeer, while the Mayor of Felixstowe Mark Jepson also took part.

It was the 17th edition of the event hosted by the Ipswich-based charity that supports people living with life-limiting illnesses.

Tim Kenny, who took part in the dip dressed as a nun, said he did the "full baptism" and fully immersed himself in the water.

He said it was "very invigorating".

Mr Kenny said he took part in the dip in memory of a friend's brother who died at the hospice.

"It is such a brilliant event and one that supports a fantastic local charity and I look forward to the Christmas Day Dip later this year," he added.

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