WHILE some burrowed their hungover heads beneath their duvets, hundreds of hardy folks in East Lothian marked the first day of 2012 by braving the freezing coastal waters.

Events were held on Sunday at North Berwick, Dunbar, and Port Seton, inviting 'dookers' of all ages to ignore the cold and plunge into the water.

At North Berwick, approximately 200 people gathered at the town's beach for the annual 'Loony Dook'. More than 70 people raced into the water, with many warming themselves with a dram or two in the town's Auld Hoose pub afterwards.

Also taking to the water at North Berwich was Kay, Dowager Duchess of Hamilton, who held her third 'dementia dip' in aid of Alzheimer Scotland alongside the town's loony dook.

Kay, whose husband Angus, the 15th Duke of Hamilton, died in 2010 following a long battle with dementia, thanked everyone who supported her team's efforts for the charity. Alzheimer Scotland is currently working on a campaign to provide a specialised dementia nurse in every health authority in Scotland.

In Dunbar, hundreds of 'dookers' took part in a dip at the town's harbour in colourful fancy dress and swimsuits.

And in Port Seton, three men - one wearing a 'mankini' - entered the chilly Forth (see below) to raise �500 for Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland.