Big Dippers

Despite the freezing conditions, people dressed up in costume and braved the ice cold waters at Saltburn for the annual festive charity fundraiser. The event, which has been running for 10 years, raises funds in the name of the late Saltburn man Jim Maidens, who was lost at sea in September 1998. The dip is organised each year by Bob George and Phil Anniss to raise money for the Redcar lifeboat and Great North Air Ambulance under the Jim Maidens Memorial Fund. Organiser Bob, who also takes part in the dip each year, said: "It's wonderful that everyone puts in the effort. I have to mention Ron and Kate Scott from the Ship Inn who have been great over the years. We meet there before the dip and they put on hot food for everyone afterwards. Nine of this year's 25 dippers are members of staff or their families from the Ship Inn."

Christmas Lights 2009

Seven-year-old Olivia Hume got Christmas festivities off to a good start in the town when she switched on the tree lights. Olivia, who attends Saltburn Primary School, was awarded the honours after winning a fire safety poster competition.

Parents and children sang carols round the tree before Santa arrived on his long wooden sleigh pulled by Saltburn firefighters. He was accompanied by two fire tenders which were lit up and decorated. Santa usually arrives on one of the fire tenders but this year the firefighters decided to make him a sleigh. It was designed by Les Turner and all 14 fire crew, plus their six new volunteers from Huntcliff School, helped make and decorate it.