A TOTAL of 64 Splashers hit the Meedies loch in the 2018 Splash 4 Cash and between them they raised more than £4,500 for good causes in Benarty.

Piper Jack Malvenan led the rather hesitant looking dook team down to the lochside and bit by bit they turned into a pretty impressive number for the Benarty Fundraisers' big event.

There were more than a few younger members of the community looking to get involved and as they prepared to take to the water the sun even poked through the clouds.

The Splash4Cash ball was launched and it was 'game on' as the determined Splashers headed for the Meedies loch determined to enjoy themselves.

A group from the Meedies Running Club were to the fore and they literally accelerated into the loch!

The Cowdenbeath Community Police team was persuaded to get involved and PCs Gary Chrystal and Barry Smith hit the water clad in their uniforms!

It all added to the fun of the day and some brilliant alternative costumes brought a real touch of colour to the occasion.

There was a crowd of well over 200 people on the loch side to witness it all and they entered into the fun of it all by providing plenty of encouragement for the Splashers.

Said the Fundraisers' James Fotheringham: "The weather was a bit hostile in the forenoon but as entry into the water neared it started to improve.

"Indeed, you could see a tinge or two of the sun coming through.

"It was brilliant to see so many people wanting to get involved and having so many youngsters take part was so encouraging.

"It turned out to be a really brilliant event and I cannot thank those who took part enough.

"Also we held a collection of items for the Benarty Food Bank and the response to that was super too.

"A total of 120kgs of food items were donated which was so kind of everyone."

Added James: "It was really good of our community police team to get involved and I think Barry Smith and Gary Chrystal had a fun time too!

"Overall it was a superb event and it was another excellent sum raised for causes in Benarty.

"We would like to thank everyone who took part and who contributed to the food bank collection plus those who helped out in any way to make the day go as well as it did.

"Another excellent community day in Benarty and one to remember."

Thanks to Lochgelly based local history guru Derek Johnstone, who went along to the day with his camera, we have some great shots of New Year's Day happenings at the Meedies.