IT doesn’t compete with Saundersfoot’s 3,323 New Year’s Day swimmers, but almost 250 brave souls entered the freezing sea at Angle on January 1 in aid of the Paul Sartori Foundation, and that’s no small achievement.

Among them was Sue, one of Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre’s brilliant volunteers, braving the icy waters in her best robber’s outfit - happily she didn’t get arrested!

Local photographer Martin Cavaney was there and commented:

“This event is growing and growing so well done to all involved in organising it and of course the swimmers as well.”

In the evening, following the event, Jo from Paul Sartori posted on the Pembrokeshire charity’s Facebook page:

“Wow wow wow , I don’t know where to start. What a day, we turned up in Angle and it was a bit blowy.

“Marcus got us set up in a sheltered position so the volunteers could do their magic on reception and the charity BBQ, which was expertly controlled by Liz.

“Thank you to each and every volunteer that gave up their New Years Day morning to support Paul Sartori, thank you to the amazing kayakers that kept our dippers safe whilst in the water. Thank you to the Wavecrest team for keeping our Dippers hydrated with hot drinks.

“Thank you to Hayley and the Hibernia Team for their help with the bacon, thank you to Angle Football club for allowing us to use their field for extra parking and to Ric for running the shuttle bus which worked amazingly well.

“Thank you to Tony, our First Responder who supports us during our larger events. And lastly thank you to every single person that came to Angle whether to Dip in the sea or to support the Dippers, we are grateful for your support and hopefully we look forward to seeing you all again next year.”

Trustee Dave Evans added: Days/events like this mean so much and help support the Paul Sartori Foundation clinical team in their 365 day work. All this is free at point of care. The daily cost is £3600. So events like these are so important.”

Paul Macken (who took the photo) said the swim had a great turnout and atmosphere and was really well organised.

“These things don’t just Happen. Wavecrest were brilliant with supplies and the Marcus burger was awesome!”

Pembrokeshire Paddlers also praised the event - and the bacon rolls - but asked the organisers to make it a bit warmer next year!