Early risers braved the bitter cold to welcome the final sunrise of 2025 with a refreshing dip in the North Sea.
Temperatures plummeted close to freezing on New Year's Eve, but a hardy group of swimmers waded into the waters at Cullercoats in North Tyneside.
The group were photographed laughing and splashing, and watched on as a glowing sunrise lit the sky in tones of yellow and orange.
Forecasters are warning of plummeting temperatures over the coming days.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Mark Sidaway said: "It certainly looks like we are in for a taste of 'winter' as we welcome in the New Year, initially in the north, but more widely across the UK for the first week of 2026.
"Arctic air and strong northerly winds will bring cold or very cold conditions to all parts of the UK, and it will feel especially cold in the strong winds. Widespread and locally severe frosts are expected, along with the first snow of the winter for many."
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber cold health alert for the health sector covering the North East until January 5.