The freezing waters of a Mendip quarry are always popular with divers.

But next month, more than 170 scuba divers are expected to take the plunge at Vobster Quay in a bid to break a bizarre world record.

Six days before Christmas, the site will be overrun with people dressed as Santa as part of a charity event designed to raise £10,000 for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

Last year, 158 Santas turned up and event organiser Lloyd Watkin, a member of the Yorkshire Divers Group, is appealing for more to come along.

He said: "It was an amazing sight to see so many underwater Santas and a real feat to get them all submerged at the same time. But we managed it and we're very proud to hold the world record.

"We'd love to welcome back those who attended last year and extend the invitation to other scuba diving Santas; who knows we may even break our own world record."

Funds raised from the event will go towards SOS Day, the RNLI's biggest fundraising event.

Anyone wanting more information can visit www.rnli.org.uk/sos