REGULARS at two local pubs braved freezing seas, crashing waves and rain and high winds to raise money for a Petersfield charity.

Customers from the Charles Street Tap in Petersfield and the Queens Head in Sheet hold a sponsored swim each year to raise money for a local charity.

And this year their chosen charity was the hospice at home charity, The Rosemary Foundation, and the fundraisers hope to raise more than £500.

But the swim very nearly didn’t go ahead, thanks to stormy sea and weather conditions.

Peter of the Rosemary Foundation said: “They are a hardy bunch, slightly bonkers you may say, down at the Queens Head and the Charles Street Tap.

But despite the gale force winds and driving rain, customers and staff braved the high winds and waves and set off for their annual Boxing Day dip in the sea at Hayling Island.

“But on arrival on the beach at Hayling Island the weather was horrendous with high winds and horizontal rain.

“The waves were crashing against the breaks. Whilst one swimmer briefly went into the surf, a brave waist-high dip in the freezing water was all that most could safely do.

“The audacious team gave up their time to raise hundreds of pounds for The Rosemary Foundation, and it’s a huge thank you to everyone involved!

“We understand that you can still donate at either pub if you have some spare some change.”

The Rosemary Foundation was established in 1997 by a group of nurses after the Sue Ryder home at Bordean House closed in 1997.

More than 2,700 patients and their families have been cared for and currently there are 36 patients being looked after.

Rosemary Foundation nurses provides a 24/7 Hospice at Home service in Petersfield and surrounding communities for patients in the latter stage of life-limiting conditions.

Support is also provided for patients’ families through a specialist service offered by the charity.

For more about the Rosemary Foundation, or to donate, visit the website at www.rosemary-foundation.org.uk