Registration is now open for Helensburgh's traditional welcoming-in event for the new year - the New Year Dook at Rhu Marina.

The annual event takes place at the RNLI's Helensburgh lifeboat station at the marina at 12 noon on Monday, January 1.

If you fancy bringing in 2024 with a bracing dip in the waters of the marina, you can register now at helensburghnewyeardook.eventbrite.co.uk.

Don't leave it too late though - because this time around, registration closes at 12 noon on Saturday, December 30.

This year organisers have included an option to use JustGiving if you’re Dooking for charity.

Howard Morrison, local operations manager, said: “We are looking forward to seeing everyone at the New Year’s Day Dook.

“Please register online and read and accept the terms and conditions.

"Eight to 16 year olds are welcome, however they must be competent swimmers and be accompanied by a parent or guardian onto the pontoon.

"There is limited car parking at the marina so please ensure you do not block the access points.

“Dookers will be given a wristband which will allow them to access the pontoons for the Dook at 12noon.

“Registered Dookers should arrive from 11.30am and go to ‘check in’ where they will get their wristbands.

“Please bring a towel and warm clothing to change into after your Dook. There are no changing facilities at the lifeboat station.

“When you have completed the Dook challenge, our fundraising team will be there to serve a warming cup of hot soup.

“Whether you are a Dooker or just a spectator everyone is welcome.

"Please come along and support our lifeboat crew to save lives at sea.”

The annual event has been part of the New Year calendar in Helensburgh for almost a century.

It originally took place at Helensburgh Pier, but when its survival was threatened by health and safety issues at the pier, the swim was moved to Rhu Marina - where it has gone from strength to strength.

For some 30 years it was organised by the late Billy Petrie and his family, but Billy handed over the reins to the RNLI in 2016.

It was put on hold during the Covid pandemic but made a welcome return on the first day of 2023 following two years of cancellations.

Swimmers come from far and wide to take part in the event - with past participants travelling from as far away as the United States,  anada, Norway, Holland, France, Germany, Poland and Ireland.