THE RNLI is inviting brave swimmers to take on the chilly Southend sea at a charity event on New Years Day.

The Southend RNLI is welcoming residents to take on the New Year’s Day Dip at Jubilee Beach in Marine Parade to raise funds for the seaside town’s team.

The organisers of the event have said swimmers are welcome to wear either swimsuits or wetsuits on the day.

Admission to the dip will be £5, and visitors will be given a free cup of tea or coffee and a mince pie.

Southend RNLI are still accepting applications for swimmers for the event, which starts at 11am.

To find out more, go to: www.southendlifeboat.org