The presentation evening for the 2015 Saundersfoot New Year's Day Swim was held at the St. Brides Spa Hotel last week.

Saundersfoot Festivities thanked all swimmers, sponsors and helpers for contributing to the magnificent £40,655 generated by the swim.

The money raised by the swimmers benefited 57 charitable and worthy causes.

The generosity of the commercial sponsors ensured that every penny raised was donated to charity.

Among the recipients were a number of charities that received at least £1,000. They included the RNLI, Velindre Hospital, Rudy's Trust and the Daniel Bridle Bone Cancer Charity.

The highest cheque of £3,800 was presented to 'Rory's Fund.'

Other notable recipients were Clic Sargant, Tinkers Hill and Swan Rescue Centre, The Dai Rees Trust, 1st Narberth Scouts, Riding for the Disabled and Paul Sartori.

Main guests at the Presentation were Nicola Hirst (Powell's Cottage Holidays - main sponsor) and Clr. Phil Baker (Saundersfoot Community Council). The guests helped to present the numerous certificates, awards and cheques.

Winner of the Betty Duncan Cup for the highest sponsored swimmer was Ken Bromley who with his team raised a fantastic £1,400 towards HOPE.

Best group fancy dress winners were The Malin House Hotel for their tremendous World War fighter plane and pilots! Best individual was Max Balham, who has already enjoyed his prize by witnessing Wales beating Ireland in the Six Nations game in March.

During the presentation, Martyn Williams took time to thank everybody who was involved in making the 31st swim the event that it was, namely all the emergency services, safety personnel, stewards, bucket collectors and sponsors.

He said: "Without the help and support of everyone involved, the swim could not happen. It is testament to the commitment of all involved that we are able to raise this amount of money for so many worthwhile causes. The generosity of our commercial partners ensures that the swim is paid for and that the money raised by the swimmers is donated to their particular cause."

Saundersfoot Festivities would like to thank St. Brides Spa Hotel for their hospitality and continued support. They would also like to thank the Saundersfoot Harbour and Hean Castle Estate (Coppet Hall) who donated their takings from the car parks on New Year's Day.

Also thank you to the 2015 NYDS shirt sponsors: Powell's Cottage Holidays, N. D. Toy and Partners Independent Financial Advisors and Mortgage Brokers, Superfast Cymru, Sunnyvale Holiday Park, Tees 'R' Us, Tojaz, of Saundersfoot, Prince's Gate Spring Water, Elston Construction, Folly Farm, Silcox Coaches, Sue's Pantry, Saundersfoot Pleasure Boats, Wogan Guest House, Tenby Glass and Neil Finlay Cars.

In the 31-year history of this event, it has raised over £500,000

Plans are well underway for the 2016 NYDS.

For further information about the 2016 swim, please keep an eye out on the swim website http://www.saundersfootnyds.co.uk">www.saundersfootnyds.co.uk or follow Charlie Shivers on Facebook and Twitter.