The New Year swim in Scheveningen, which thousands of people take part in every year, has been cancelled because of the strong winds.

The North Sea coast is being buffeted by force seven gales and the organisers said on Thursday morning that it would not be responsible to let it go ahead. The swim was also cancelled last year.

The local sea rescue service has urged people not to brave the waters, saying they would be risking both their own and others lives.

Swims in Almelo, Hengelo, Heemstede, Nijeveen and Oldenzaal have also been called off because there is too much ice on the surface.