Cold dip

Hundreds of people took part in the 86th Annual Polar Bear Swim in Vancouver, Canada yesterday.

The chilly water failed to deter participants in the event, which began in 1920.

The temperature in Vancouver was in single figures, though possibly warmer than last year when the air temperature was just 3C during the event. The water temperature was 6.5C in 2004 and 9C in 2005.

The record number of entrants is over 2000 at the Millennium. Many people take part in fancy dress costumes.