"Conditions are excellent, it's mild, there are lots of ducks, so it must be nice in there."

And with that pre-swim verdict Gran Carole Deighton plunged into the River Wharfe at Otley for her New Year's Day traditional dip.

Fifteen chilly seconds later and she'd changed her mind. "It must have been about two degrees," said the 61-year-old, vigorously towelling down on the icy towpath.

"I'm surprised. It was much, much colder than last year, but it didn't look it." Mrs Deighton, from Morley, a trained lifesaver was first in having stripped down to her costume on the icy tow path. Around 100 spectators had gathered applauding and cheering the swimmers.

One woman mumbled with a shake of her head: "They must be mental."

Wet suits are strictly banned after a "cheat" was spotted a few years ago. So only the bravest go in.

First-timer Amy Walker's screams rang out around the riverbank as the 16-year-old plunged in.

The Prince Henry Grammar School pupil was maintaining the family tradition. Her mum usually does the swim but couldn't make it this year.

Amy, joined by pal Clair Holt, 17, said after clambering out: "My feet feel as though they are going to drop off. I couldn't believe how cold it was."

Around a dozen brave swimmers took to the waters as the weak winter sunshine raised temperatures temporarily - on dry land at least.

Ronald Shackleton, 50 and his brother Harold, from Guiseley, are regulars.

Mr Shackleton has known colder conditions and has broken ice on a New Year's Day swim in Todmorden before now.

PICTURED: Three of the brave swimmers Clair Holt, Amy Walker and Sian Richards.