BUDE Surf Lifesaving Club has announced that it will be patrolling the beach during one of the town’s most iconic Christmas traditions.

Each year, hundreds of people flock, from across the country, to Bude’s beaches to enjoy the longstanding, and rather chilly tradition, of a Christmas Day swim.

The event has become a staple in the calendars of many locals, though Bude Surf Lifesaving Club has said it will once again not be involved in the organisation of the event.

A spokesperson from the club’s committee said: “Please be advised, that as per last year, the club is not involved in the organisation of any swimming that may take place at Crooklets Beach on Christmas Day. This is due to circumstances out of our control and is in the best interests of the club.”

However, the club has not ignored the popularity of the occasion and has consequently confirmed that it will carry out a short patrol on Christmas day.

They continued: “We understand that due to the popularity of our previously held Christmas Day Swim, it is possible that members of the public may wish to gather and possibly enter the water.

“Therefore, in the interest of public safety, we will have a volunteer patrol from 11am for a short time.”