HUNDREDS of brave volunteers are set to sign up to take a festive dip in icy waters on New Year’s Day.

The Polar Plunge is making a welcomed return on the first day of 2019 and organisers are hoping to entice even more people than ever.

Dippers will be invited down to Irvine Beach in fancy dress at 11am where they will run in to the freezing cold sea to raise money for charity.

Last year more than 135 people ran into the freezing cold Firth of the Clyde with more than350 spectators.

Coastwatch’s Billy Lamb says dippers are welcome again this year to raise money for any charity of their choice and there will be tea, coffee and hot soup for them after they emerge from the water.

He said: “There was 135 people who took part last year and we raised more than £1,800 for various charities so we are hoping to top that this year.

“We want it to be bigger and better this year.

“So far we have had a great response with people signing up for it. This year we are asking for a £5 registration fee. We really want people to register first so we have a good idea of numbers. Last year we had a lot of people turning up on the day, which was great to have that support, but for us to organise things well we really need to have a good idea of numbers.”

This year Ayrshire MP Philippa Whitford will join in the fun along with MSP Ruth Maguire and North Ayrshire Provost Ian Clarkson. The political trio also took p[art last year and enjoyed the day.

If you would like to take part in the Irvine Beach Polar Plunge contact Coastwatch on 01294 271855 or email Coastwatch-irvine@ hotmail.co.uk. Alternatively pop into the Coastwatch Office at Irvine Beach and register your place.