An Antarctic explorer from St Albans asked people to ‘take the plunge’ with him in the New Year.

Ed Suttie, 48, of Verulam Road in St Albans, and his wife Clare organised the icy polar bear plunge event on January 1, 2016, to raise money for four charities.

More than 130 people took part in the plunge into the cold water at St Albans Sub Aqua Club’s pool in Cottonmill Lane, many dressed in fancy dress outfits.

Mr Suttie said: “It was the perfect New Year’s Day afternoon.”

For those who did not want to take part in the plunge were able to enjoy an arts and crafts table, live music, hot food and lots of hot chocolate on the day.

All proceedings raised have been donated to the four charities – Cancer Research UK, Rennie Grove Hospital Care, Earthworks St Albans and Antarctic Heritage Trust.

In April 2016, Mr Suttie is embarking on a 200km trek to the North Pole and will set out from a position of two degrees south of the magnetic pole.

Rebecca West from Cancer Research UK said: “We’ve all asked Ed to make this an annual event, as it was just so much fun.

“Ed and Clare have worked tirelessly for this event, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going towards Ed’s four charities.

“We are continuing to ask people to support Ed.”

If anyone would like to donate money to support Mr Suttie’s trek to the North Pole visit his charity page: www.Ed2NorthPole.org