New-year dip is again called off

The traditional start to the year on January 1 has been scrapped for 2008 by the organisers at Bognor Regis Lions Club.

This is the third time in four years the organised splash in the waves has been cancelled.

The dip first failed to take place on January 1, 2005. It bounced back with 34 participants the following year.

But a lack of interest caused the Lions to cancel this year's event.

Lions press officer Richard Johns said: "The dip is not going to take place this January 1. There will be no point anyone turning up."

Some late interest in taking part had been expressed by a group of individuals.

But it was too little and too late to make it worthwhile running the event with the safety arrangements which would be needed, he added.