BONKERS bathers kicked off the start of the year by braving the Forth at the Limekilns Breakfast Dip 2019.

Around 160 revellers joined in the event on New Year's Day dressed as cops and robbers, Tigger and some even took the plunge in a suit!

The village was packed with around 600 spectators who came to lend their support to the charity event which raises money for the fight to save Limekilns Pier.

Organiser Alex Hill, 43, said: "It was a lovely sunny day, the water was about three degrees and the place just got busier and busier.

"I have never seen so many people in Limekilns before, the village was just packed.

"The Ship Inn, which were providing soup and stovies, had crowds of people waiting to get in.

"I was even interviewed for the World at One programme on Radio Four, so it’s nice to see that the breakfast dip is becoming well known and established."

Altogether, around £2,500 was raised for the Limekilns Heritage Trust and their efforts to save the village's pier, which is in danger of collapsing into the Forth.

The structure, which dates back to the 16th century, needs a £610,000 makeover.

The group is currently applying for grants, having raised £20,000 so far.

"The day was a massive success and people had such kind words to say," Alex added.

"It's all to save our local pier and it also creates awareness about what we're trying to do.

"People stayed in the village long after the dip, the atmosphere was fantastic and it gives everyone the opportunity to get out and about and do something different."