For some it is a fun and invigorating way to welcome in the New Year, while others claim it is a great hangover cure.

But whatever the reason, up to 150 people are expected to descend on the White Wells spa in Ilkley tomorrow to brave the cold plunge pool water.

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 is expected to be a chilly six degrees centigrade.

Mark Hunnebell, who runs White Wells on behalf of owners Bradford Council, says the chance for a dip in the cold water has caught public imagination since it was started nearly 16 years ago. He said: “It’s very popular and it’s a bit of fun amid the gloom and doom and cuts and the bad news we seem to get every day.”

Earlier this year, 129 hardy souls took the plunge and Mr Hunnebell expects a similar number to welcome in 2011.

Mr Hunnebell will be joining those taking the plunge tomorrow, but the cold water will not be so much of a shock to his system as he says the cold water stimulates circulation. “I go in every day,” he said. “You feel invigorated. You feel very healthy.

“They say it’s a good hangover cure, too.”

White Wells will be open between 10am and 5pm with a changing area of two cubicles for participants.

Plunging is on a first come first served basis as queues build up during the day and visitors must bring their own swimming costumes and towels.

There is no charge for plunging but participants can throw loose change into the bath, buy a certificate to mark the occasion and support the cafe by buying hot snacks and drinks.

Plunging is taken at the bather’s own risk, and due to the historic nature and design of the plunge bath, it may be unsuitable for use by some disabled visitors.

Meanwhile, swimmers are expected to take the plunge into the icy waters of the River Wharfe for the traditional New Year’s Day swim. Dozens of spectators are expected at the riverbank at Otley at noon before the swimmers dive in and tackle a 25-metre stretch of the river. The dip was started 20 years ago by 85-year-old Joe Town, of Yeadon.