Julie Butler said she and her friend, Joanne Dodds, had organised the event at Blyth beach in Northumberland for the last seven years and she loved the community's "enthusiasm" for the event.

Three of the huts were badly damaged, as well as several cars and a van, in the suspected arson attack in Blyth, Northumberland ... The colourful beach huts are a popular tourist attraction ...

The initiative is also supported this year by Blyth Battery, and those taking part can use the cafe to warm up and have a chat following the swim. The event is for seasoned sea swimmers only and ...

Three beach huts, a number of cars and a van have been set alight by arsonists who went on a rampage in a Northumberland town. Firefighters and police in Blyth were called to the beach hut blaze ...