AROUND 170 swimmers plunged into the sea at Whitesands on New Year’s Day in a record-breaking swim.

The annual Porthmawr swim has raised around £2,000 for local causes, with £1,500 going to Porthmawr Nippers, Whitesands' junior lifesaving club. The remaining cash will go to other local charities.

The event was organised by St Davids Penkinife Club, a local group dedicated to voluntary fundraising for local groups and charities.

Despite a sea temperature of only eight degrees, six-foot surf and strong winds the swim was a resounding success, attracting more participants than ever before.

Both St Davids lifeboats and 14 qualified lifeguards from Porthmawr Surf Lifesaving Club were on standby during the event but fortunately their services were not required.

“We are very happy with how it went,” said the penknife club’s Steve Rees. “The car park was so full we had people running down from the car park who had parked on the road.

“It was a record number. The most swimmers we’ve had before has been 110. We are hoping for an even bigger and better event next year.”

The penknife club’s next event will be St Davids and Solva’s Got Talent in March, followed by the annual sponsored walk in May.