Miserable drizzle failed to pour cold water on traditional New Year's festivities, which saw dozens of people taking freezing dips yesterday.

Despite flood warnings, the annual River Wharfe swim in Otley went ahead, where six swimmers left the warmth of their hearths to risk life and limb in the swollen river.

The annual tradition is trumpeted as a hangover cure and an efficient wake-up call to 2003.

Brothers Harold Shackleton, 58, of Guiseley and Ronald, 54, of Ilkley, were among four men and two women who swam the 25 metres.

HGV driver Harold said: "It was warmer than usual. We kept to the edge so we were not bothered by the currents."

His brother accidentally slipped on the bank and plunged in head first.

"You are supposed to keep your head out of the water because after a while, your body starts to close down with the cold," said self-employed builder Ronald.

"You have to keep your arms close to your chest and just keep going. You don't remember much about it but it is a great way to shake off the hangover."

A crowd of people eager to begin their year by dipping in the White Wells Spa in Ilkley were waiting outside the cottage when manager Mark Hunnebell arrived at 10am.

The moorland pool is constantly being replenished from the spring so its temperature barely rises above six degrees centigrade.

Bathers aged between five and their late 60s climbed into the chilly metre-deep pond for a reviving shock. But most only stayed in a few seconds.

Mr Hunnebell, who began the day with a dip, decided against a competition to see who could stay in the longest on safety grounds.

But 75 people went ahead with the dip, egged on by a boisterous crowd.

Andrew Hyde, 13, and his brother Martin, nine, of Ilkley, got a shock when they gingerly stepped in, with shouts of: "It's freezing!"

Their father Stuart, 42, joined them and crowed: "It is really warm and beautiful. I feel very fresh now."

And the caf enjoyed a buoyant trade despite dreary rain and fog.

Mr Hunnebell, who did not bother going to bed on New Year's Eve, added: "It has been a great success, but we were surprised at how many people came up here on a day like this. The waters make you feel really healthy and fit."