HANGOVER cures come in as many different shapes and sizes as their owners. Some swear a sweaty workout does wonders to shift various vice-like headaches, sandpaper mouths and tumble-dryer tummies.
My own morning-after routine, the fruit of many years of dogged scientific enquiry, is fry-up, paracetamol, full-fat Coke, Dominos, Frasier DVDs, wine, repeat as required.

In Alderney, where the pubs test the stamina with their New Year’s Eve celebrations, they’ve developed the next day’s hangover cure into a much-anticipated event.

On 1 January at noon, around 50 people run bravely into the waves at Braye Beach, many in fancy dress.

It began around 30 years ago when islanders Midge Dupont and pal Roland Neal took the plunge, the former favouring full Neptune regalia, complete with trident and draped in seaweed.

Resident David Earl holds the record for the longest time spent in the water (endurance not necessarily proportional to intensity of hangover, please note).

‘It was two years ago and I swam for 15 minutes,’ said Mr Earl. ‘I came out on the verge of hypothermia.

‘Everyone rushes in and eggs each other on and wishes each other happy New Year and the hardiest ones swim. I swim until I can see the end of the breakwater. I’m always last out – most people have more sense.

‘If it is sunny and calm it’s much better than if it’s windy and cloudy. But people still go.’

Afterwards participants head to the nearby Divers Pub for a cup of hot punch, where this year the owner will hand out certificates as testament to their insane achievement.

John 'Midge' Dupont's 16th year as King Neptune

This tradition has its roots in when the fire service used a handcart to carry the fire hoses, the last being used before the Second World War.

When fire broke out a bell would be rung and everyone who heard it would dash out to help pull the cart.

Once a year, not necessarily on New Year’s Eve, fire officers would test the equipment to make sure it was working.

‘The kids would run around near them and the officers would give them a squirt,’ said chief fire officer Paul Moore.

‘It’s still mainly kids that we get but if any adults come within striking distance, they should prepare for a soaking too,’ he added. In Alderney, Alka Seltzer is for wimps.

Swimmers gather for a recent traditional New Year’s Day dip at Braye Beach.