AN EVENT near Chepstow saw 90 scuba divers dressed in Santa costumes taking the plunge to raise much needed cash for charity.

The annual World Record Scuba Santa’s event, which aims to gather as many Scuba Santa’s together, is now in its seventh year at the National Diving and Activity Centre (NDAC) at Tidenham.

Organised by Lloyd Watkin, who founded Scuba Santas with others from Yorkshire Divers, on Sunday, it aimed to break their previous world record of 158 divers dressed as Santa.

Despite not reaching the target, it has been deemed a great success with around £1,000 being raised.

Nearly £500 was raised on the day from raffle ticket sales and over £500 has been donated via their JustGiving page.

Raffle prizes included a dive holiday for six to the Costa Brava in Spain worth £1,800.

Since 2007, the event has grown starting by raising a few hundred pounds for the RNLI with eight participating Santas, a Viking, a snowman, and a fairy.

Since the event has raised more than £20,000 for the RNLI.

It will also help DDRC Healthcare which is a hyperbaric medical facility and specialists in diving health.

For details about the challenge or to register visit www.scuba-santas.co.uk