Hundreds of people turned out to watch two of Scarborough's much-loved Boxing Day traditions - one of which is more than 130-years-old.The day started with a football match between fishermen and fireman on the beach before crews took to the seas in fancy dress for a raft race.

In different parts of the world, people observe unique and sometimes downright strange boxing day traditions that make the day intriguing.

Perhaps not surprisingly, as with most of our modern Aussie Christmas traditions, the name ‘Boxing Day’ originates from England, where it is thought to have been celebrated for centuries.

Boxing Day, observed annually on December 26, is a public holiday in several Commonwealth nations, including Australia, England, South Africa, and New Zealand.

Crowds of swimmers have braved the cold waters of the English Channel for a festive dip in the sea. The Ventnor Boxing Day swim is an annual tradition on the Isle of Wight. The conditions were good for the swim,

For decades, Boxing Day celebrants in the British Isles have taken to frigid waters each Dec. 26. This year, swimmers took to the water once again. p> Many do it to raise money for a charity of their choice like in Ayr,

Hundreds of people, decked out in their finest festive attire, braved the chilly sea for charity on Boxing Day. The annual Poldhu Boxing Day swim, a popular tradition for many, once again drew a huge crowd,

Hardy swimmers braved the North Sea for the annual Boxing Day dips. At England's most northerly beach, at Spittal, Berwick-upon-Tweed, hundreds turned out for a brief dip in the chilly waters. Canon Alan Hughes,