A GROUP of daredevils dived into the cold water plunge bath at White Wells spa cottage on Ilkley Moor today to mark a New Year's Day tradition.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Holly Puzylo, of London, takes the plunge at White Wells spa cottage

Since 1995, people have been queuing up to take a New Year's Day dip in the 8ft by 6ft stone bath, where the temperature was seven degrees centigrade today.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

John Vincent, of Bingley, gets ready to take the plunge

This year's event attracted a record number of 212 participants from as far away as London and Manchester, who shook off any cobwebs from their New Year's Eve celebrations.

This beat the previous best total of 167 people in 2008.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Taking the plunge are, from left, Natalie Brykalski, Lizzie Oxendale and Jamie Oxendale

Simon Bristow, 45, of Bingley, who took part, said: "It was definitely cold.  "It was a really good experience - it was revitalising."

Laura Griffiths, 28, of Brixton, south London, took part with friends after spending New Year's Eve in Ilkley.

She said: "It was like an ice cube.  "Once you get in the water it gets colder and colder. It is the first time I have done it."

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

This group of women travelled up from London to take the plunge at White Wells

Mark Hunnebell, who runs White Wells and has a daily dip in the plunge bath, said: "It went very well this year.  "We have had people from all over the country taking part."