BRAVE?souls in Hatherleigh donned colourful costumes and took the plunge in the River Lew on New Year's Day to raise money for charity.

Each year the Hatherleigh Walruses take a dip in the freezing water of the River Lew on January 1 to raise money for a range of charities and good causes.

This year the good causes included Hatherleigh Carnival and Hatherleigh Primary School.

In the last 25 years, the event has raised more than £50,000 for charity. The dip takes place in the river by Hatherleigh Community Centre.

Crowds of people turned out to watch the event which has a different funny theme each year.

This year's dip followed the story of the 'Hatherleigh Independence Party' ahead of the 2015 general election.