An Irvine-based charity is encouraging the public to "get freezin' for a reason" this New Year's Day.

Coastwatch Scotland Irvine - is a voluntary coastal monitoring and safety organisation - has now opened registration for this year's Polar Plunge at Irvine beach.

The popular event is taking place for its sixth year on Monday, January 1, at 12pm.

Brave participants will start their 2024 off by diving into the freezing waters at Irvine all while raising money for a good cause of their choice.

Registration is now open at a cost of £5 for those aged 16 and over, and £2.50 for ages 12-15. Participants can sign up until December 28.

Those interested can register online at www.coastwatchirvine.co.uk/Polar-Plunge/ or at the Coastwatch building at Irvine beach from 12-3pm on Saturday afternoons during December.

The first 100 people to register will be entered into a prize raffle for no extra charge. 

On the day of the plunge there will be free hot soup for all participants.

Participants can raise money for any charity, for example, Coastwatch's station manager Kaye will be taking to the water for the organising charity themselves.

Kaye is hoping to help fund new pads and a battery to renew one of their defibrillators, and to allow Coastwatch to go into schools and provide first aid training courses for pupils.

It is hoped this will empower young people to have basic lifesaving skills that could make a difference when it matters.

A Coastwatch representative added: "We look forward to seeing her 'get freezin for a reason' on Monday January 1, 2024. If you want to join her in raising money for important causes then sign up on our website."