BRAVE souls dipped into the freezing waters of Wharfedale to celebrate the New Year with style.

As queues of hardy volunteers formed outside White Wells spa cottage on New Year's Day to make a chilly start to 2003, a flood warning on the River Wharfe at Otley meant fewer people than usual turned out for the traditional New Year dip.

Although the river level had dropped dramatically by Wednesday, Tuesday's warning kept people away.

But despite the warning and persistent drizzle, four men and two women watched by a crowd of people went into the river at midday on New Year's Day.

Organiser Joe Town, of Aireborough Lifesavers, said he believed the flood warning the day before had put people off.

"A lot of people who normally come out from Leeds had heard the flood warning and thought it wouldn't be going ahead.

"All those taking part were nearly all the old faithfuls, but there was someone who normally comes over all the way from Middlesborough who normally turns up who didn't show."

Meanwhile Mr Town, 77, who only stopped taking part himself two years ago, said he hoped to make the swim again in his 80th year.

"I'm always tempted to go in, but I hope to do it again for my 80th birthday in 2005," he said.

Bothers Harold Shackleton, 58, of Guiseley, and Ronald, 54, of Ilkley were amongst those who bravely swam the 25 metres.

HGV driver Harold said: "It was warmer than usual. We kept to the edge so we were not bothered by the currents." His brother accidentally slipped on the bank and went in head first.

Ronald, a self-employed builder said: "You are supposed to keep your head out of the water because after a while your body starts to close down with the cold.

"You have to keep your arms close to your chest and just keep going."

Leeds policeman Rick Wilson joined the swimmers for the first time. "I'd got my wet suit on and as soon as I realised everyone else was just going on in swimming trunks I took it off but it meant I went in after every one else. It was cold, but as soon as I got my suit off the adrenaline kicked in," he said.

At the Ilkley dip, White Wells tenant Mark Hunnebell was greeted by plenty of enthusiastic visitors when he opened up the landmark at 10am. Bathers young and old had made the trek for the chance to take a traditional New Year's Day dip in the icy spring waters of the cottage's plunge bath.

Among the 75 brave participants were nine-year-old Martin Hyde and his 13-year-old brother, Andrew, both of Ilkley, who weren't the only ones to shout "It's freezing!" as they stepped into the pool.

Their father, 42-year-old Stuart, however, took it all in his stride. "It is really warm and beautiful," he said. "I feel very fresh now."

The cottage enjoyed a successful day with Mr Hunnebell and his partner Joanne Everall serving up countless portions of pies and peas to those trying to warm up again afterwards.

Mr Hunnebell said: "It has been a great success but we were surprised at how many people came up here given the weather on the day. It helps you keep healthy and fit!"