MASSIVE surf failed to deter a huge crowd from embarking on the Mike Moyle Christmas Day swim at Crooklets Beach.

Hundreds took the plunge in various festive costumes and others not so, including a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle!

With surf up to 10 foot at high tide, safety was paramount and lifeguards from Bude Surf Life Saving Club kept a close eye on revellers, by patrolling the area. The event, organised by the club, raises funds towards the development of young surf lifesavers — £1,700 was collected on the day and more is coming in.

At 11am, a stampede of around 500 people headed into the Atlantic Ocean, on a small but stony patch of sand.

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.