HUNDREDS of people started the longest day of the year with a splash - by turning out for a solstice sunrise swim in an outdoor pool.

Around 400 early risers enjoyed a bracing early morning dip in the outdoor pool of the Ilkley Lido to celebrate the arrival of summer.

Water-lovers began gathering at around 4.45am to enjoy the extra hours of sunlight this morning (Tuesday June 21).

Despite it being a cool eight degrees outside, the water was a 17 degrees for fans of the Lido who missed out on last year's solstice swim as it was closed for renovations.

The council-run venue boasts wonderful views across Ilkley Moor, which lent itself to a beautiful sunrise setting.

Swimmer Julia Bryson, 45, said: "I swim at the lido each week, but love to do the solstice swim as it's such a beautiful setting to see the sun rise.

"It's not usually this busy or this warm. I think it was around 17 degrees.

"It's been really fun to see so many friends and newcomers down at the Lido, especially as we missed out last year."

The Lido, which was built in 1935, is regarded as one of the best open-air pools in the country.

Further afield, thousands of people greeted the sun with cheers as it rose over Stonehenge for the summer solstice.

Those who observed the spectacle at the neolithic monument in Wiltshire encountered a chilly morning accompanied by clear skies as the sun glinted over the horizon at 4.49am.

English Heritage said 170,000 people from around the world watched the solstice online this year.

Nichola Tasker, English Heritage’s director of Stonehenge, said: “Celebrating summer solstice is one of the highlights of the year at Stonehenge and we’re so delighted to have been able to welcome people back this year and also to livestream the occasion to thousands of people right around the world.

“Wherever you are, it’s a great opportunity for friends and families to come together to mark the longest day of the year, as people have done for thousands of years.

“There was a warm, friendly atmosphere throughout, and everybody enjoyed a beautiful sunset and dawn.

“Summer solstice at Stonehenge is a major operation and we couldn’t do it without the support of our partners, especially Wiltshire Police and Wiltshire Council."

Wiltshire Police said the event passed off peacefully, with around 6,000 people attending and just two arrests made.