Hundreds of people are expected to brave the chilly North Sea and take the plunge next week.

An annual tradition is set to make a welcome return as the Lowestoft Christmas Day Swim is back on Monday for 2023.

Lowestoft Journal: Lowestoft Christmas Day Swim 2022. Picture: Mick HowesLowestoft Christmas Day Swim 2022. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

After more than 220 brave souls - including many dressed up as Santas, Christmas elves and superheroes - jumped into the cold North Sea last Christmas Day for the 43rd festive plunge, last year's swim raised £6,700.

Now, further money is set to be raised for local charities and deserving causes, as registration is still open for Lowestoft's 44th Christmas Day Swim, sponsored by JME.

Lowestoft Journal: The Christmas Day Swim in Lowestoft in 2019. Picture: Mick HowesThe Christmas Day Swim in Lowestoft in 2019. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Organisers have this week sent out a rallying call for more people to sign up in supporting this year's event.

With a "big push" to attract further brave souls to sign up and take part in this year's festive plunge, swimmer registrations are still available online.

Lowestoft Journal: The Lowestoft Christmas Day Swim in 2018. Picture: Mick HowesThe Lowestoft Christmas Day Swim in 2018. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

With the event spearheaded by Everyone Active and supported by HM Coastguards, Lowestoft Volunteer Lifeguard Corps, Lowestoft Lions, St John Ambulance, the RNLI and East Point Pavilion, this year money raised will be shared equally between YMCA Trinity, HOPE after Suicide Loss, Lowestoft and Waveney Breastfeeding Support, 1st Gunton Brownies and TrueColours of Lowestoft.

In addition, the core charities are Lowestoft Lions, Lowestoft Lifeguard Volunteer Corp, the St John Ambulance local branch and the Brian Gallagher Football Fund.

Lowestoft Journal: The Lowestoft Christmas Day Swim in 2017. Picture: Mick HowesThe Lowestoft Christmas Day Swim in 2017. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

Registration will take place outside the Flying Fifteens Café from 8.30am, with a minimum £5 donation required.

After a quick warm-up on the promenade followed by a jog towards the Claremont Pier, onto the beach and into the sea, the swim itself will take place at 10am sharp.

Lowestoft Journal: The Christmas Day Swim in Lowestoft in 2015.The Christmas Day Swim in Lowestoft in 2015. (Image: Archant Norfolk © 2015)

Donna Taylor, operations manager for Everyone Active at Waterlane Leisure Centre, said: "We are delighted to be involved in this special event, which is of such importance to the local community and fantastic charitable causes."

Matt Stebbings, Event Volunteer, said: "Each year we raise the bar on our target and this year should not be any different."

To register online, visit www.everyoneactive.com/xmasdayswim