THIRTEEN chickens will be jumping into the Solent on New Year's Day. But those in the fancy dress costumes are certainly no cowards.

They will brave the icy sea in the annual New Year's Charity Dip at Stokes Bay in Gosport to raise money for Fareham- based charity, Kids.

Jane Smith and Mike Windsor will be two of those opting for chicken costumes over more traditional swimwear.

Their three-year-old son, James, attends Kids nursery for children with special needs where he receives help with speaking.

The adventurous pair own Pebble Beach Caf at Stokes Bay and will be adding chicken dippers to the menu on New Year's Day to celebrate their daring dip.

They have enlisted the help of friends and family to make up the 13-strong team.

Jane said: "Raising money by jumping in the sea in possibly sub-zero temperatures dressed as a chicken may not be everybody's idea of fun, and when we're neck deep in freezing water, we'll probably agree!"

The Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue Service (Gafirs) is organising the New Year's Charity Dip which last year attracted 72 swimmers.

The swim is open to any charity that wishes to arrange sponsored swimmers.

Charity swimmers, dressed in fancy dress should attend the Gafirs Lifeboat Station, Stokes Bay, Gosport, at 11.30am.

Ring 01329 237463 for more details about taking part in the charity dip.