More than 130 fundraising scuba divers hit the water dressed as Santa at Vobster Quay last weekend, as they raised £2,350 for Armed Forces charity Help for Heroes.

The divers came from near and far to brave the inclement weather for a worthy cause, with the quayside awash with fluffy Santa beards, red suits, reindeer and, even, the occasional Grinch. The total was raised by a combination of donations and the sale of raffle tickets.

Co-organiser Jason Brown said: "This year's event was a real success, with divers coming from across the country. Everyone had a very merry time, including a team of staff and volunteers from Help for Heroes, whose assistance made a real difference on the day."

Help for Heroes' area fundraising manager, Rhys Edwards, added: "More than £2,000 is a great gift for our veterans this Christmastime. We were quite sleighed by the total. The weather wasn't great – it certainly reindeer …

"Thank you to all the Santas – yule have made a big difference with your generosity."

Help for Heroes champions the Armed Forces community and helps them live well after service. The charity helps them, and their families, to recover and get on with their lives. It has already supported more than 30,000 people and won't stop until every veteran gets the support they deserve.

The Charity supports veterans, and their families, from any branch of the UK military – regulars or reserves – irrespective of length or place of service, and locally embedded civilians (and their families) who worked alongside our Armed Forces.

To get support, visit helpforheroes.org.uk.