A CONFECTIONERS has decided to cancel a celebratory New Year's Day swim out of respect for flooded residents.

The team from Patisserie Viennoise were all set to join the annual swim in the River Wharfe, in Otley, on January 1 to mark the start of the company's thirtieth year.

But the turmoil caused by last weekend's floods, which saw many riverside households flooded on Boxing Day, has caused owner and chocolatier Trevor Backhouse to call off the event.

Posting on the shop's Facebook page on Wednesday, December 30, he said: "The Patisserie Viennoise team are always up for a challenge and never fail to deliver what we have promised.

"Unfortunately, this is one occasion where we are going to have to go back on our word.

"As reported in the local press we had decided to take part in the annual New Year's Day swim in the River Wharfe in Otley - this was partly because we like a challenge, and also it would have kick-started our celebrations of 30 years in business.

"However with the recent flooding in Otley (and many other areas) and the devastation and distress this has caused many people, we now feel it would be inappropriate to take part in this event as part of our celebrations.

"Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by these terrible storms, and we hope for a more settled 2016."

The January 1 swim at the Wharfe usually takes place near Otley Bridge at noon.