People take part in the Scarborough Lions Club charity New Year’s Day Dip (Danny Lawson/PA)

There was a stunning sunrise over the North East coast on Wednesday morning as the country ushered in 2020.

But the sun did little to warm the chilly waters of Whitley Bay, where hardy souls from the local Panama Swimming Club took to the sea for their annual dip.

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Down the coast in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, more swimmers headed into the sea.

Their charity dip was organised by the Scarborough Lions Club.

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Brave participants took things a step further near Ashbourne, Derbyshire, plunging into the River Dove during the Mapleton raft race and bridge jump.

Over in Ireland, swimmers took to the water on Bray seafront in Co Wicklow.

And in the Firth of Forth, New Year’s Day dippers shook off their hangovers by braving the icy waters.

Spectators gathered on the shore at South Queensferry to watch the annual Loony Dook fundraiser.

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