IT may have been unseasonably mild this Christmas but you still need to be made of stern stuff to take a dip on New Year's Day.

A band of hardy souls braved the chilly waters of the River Wharfe to take part in the traditional New Year's swim in Otley.

Swimmers young and old were cheered on by the enthusiastic crowd as they swam a 20-metre stretch of the river beside Wharfemeadows Park, before clambering out and drying off.

Some even took to the drink in fancy dress costume including one brave soul dressed as Spider-Man.

Richard Parkin went for a swim in full 1920s style bathing regalia including a straw boater and pipe.

For 25 years the swim was organised by former lifesaving swimming teacher Joe Town. After he died in 2011, it has since become known as the Joe Town Memorial Swim.