RECORD numbers of intrepid folk braved the icy waters of Wharfedale on New Year’s Day.

Nearly 100 went for a swim in the River Wharfe at Otley while about 300 plunged into the White Wells spring on the edge of Ilkley Moor in the now traditional events.

Stuart Tasker, organiser of the event at Otley said: “It was brilliant. We had 91 swimmers from a nine-year-old boy to Ronnie Shackleton who’s 71.

“It’s the most we’ve ever had.

“Both river banks and Otley bridge were full of spectators.

“I normally get in first but I couldn’t get to the water because of the crowds, it was so packed, and there were 20 already in when I went in.”

He said a bucket collection for Yorkshire’s Children’s Hospitals’ Christmas Gift Appeal raised £305.

He said the event’s popularity had grown out of all proportion to when it started in the 1980s.

The event is held in memory of lifesaving swimming teacher Joe Town but this year Mr Tasker said it was also in memory of his mother Lilian Rickett who died in November.

He said the record numbers might have been down to the weather which was very mild compared to some years, a view shared by Joanne Everall, of the White Wells Cafe.

She said they had had 275 brave souls taking the plunge up to 3pm.

She added: “We’ve broken the record and we’re open til 5 so there’s plenty more time yet.

“It’s always been very popular. It’s been a nice day as well so that encourages more people onto the moor. We’ve been non-stop since 10am.”