NEW Year's dippers and plungers braved freezing temperatures in Otley and Ilkley.

In Otley, fewer people than usual swam in the River Wharfe, while in Ilkley a few brave souls leapt into the plunge pool at White Wells.

With temperatures dropping as low as -9C, some eight men and women took part in the traditional dip at Wharfemeadows Park, Otley.

Organiser Joe Town, of Aireborough Lifesavers, said fewer people than usual took part- although the riverbank was full of sight-seers.

To cheers and clapping from the crowds, the men and women dropped off the landing stage and took a few strokes before clambering back out to be hastily dried off.

Mr Town, 76, only stopped taking part himself last year after bowing to pressure from his family.

He said: "I didn't take part last year because I was injured, sometimes I think I'll go in, but I made the decision and will stick to it.

"We usually have some folk come across from Leeds but they didn't turn up. B

"ut even though numbers were down there were a lot of onlookers and it was good fun.

"Our regulars all took the dip and it attracted a lot of attention even though it was so cold."

One onlooker, Michael Ashworth, visiting his parents in Bridge Avenue said: "We usually come out and watch the swimmers, it has become quite a tradition and it is always interesting to see the reaction of the ducks.

"It was certainly very cold this year and that was just watching, I can't blame the swimmers for getting out very quickly."

After the dip the swimmers retired to the Yeoman in Gay Lane for their traditional post swim drink.

Meanwhile, yesterday, stretches of the river at Otley were frozen for the first time this winter - but it was still far away from being frozen enough to skate on as in the past.

John Morgan said: "I can remember going on the ice one Boxing Day and standing right in the middle of the river, but it's not been that cold for years."

At White Wells cottage on Ilkley Moor, more than 70 revellers braved the three-foot deep spring water pool which rarely reaches temperatures above six degrees centigrade, on New Year's Day. The annual event has proved extremely popular.

Tenant Mark Hunnebell, who runs the caf there with Joanne Everall, said the sunny day contributed to an excellent turnout.

Among those to brave the icy pool was Mike Beresford, of Ilkley.

His wife Jane said: "He's never done it before and his friends have been egging him on to do it.

"Personally, I think he must be mad."

At the event a collection was taken to go towards the Ilkley skateboard park, making the total raised at White Wells to £51.