FORTY swimmers from pension age down to 10 plunged into the icy cold waters at the annual New Year's dip in Lee Dam, Lumbutts, Todmorden.

And after that bitter experience many who took part were thinking of renaming the location Numbutts

The dippy dippers, many in fancy dress including jungle girls, a white angel, and Bob the Builder and cheered on by a crowd of over 200 well-wishers, ran into the near freezing waters of the moorland dam to retrieve a wooden trophy.

The event began in the 1950 as a fund-raiser for the original Todmorden swimming pool and has become a tradition among people prepared to strip off and take the plunge. This year money was also raised for the Hippodrome Theatre flood appeal. The junior boys' trophy was won by 10-year-old Jack Connor, of Todmorden, a "veteran" who also took part last year because "it is fun" while the junior girl winner was Helen Newsome, 14, also of Todmorden and a first-timer.

The men's trophy was plucked from the water by Scott Edwards, a 22-year-old engineer from Littleborough, while the women's trophy was captured by Della MacDonald, an 18-year-old coach at Todmorden Swimming Club.

She arrived dressed in a Tarzan outfit, complete with club. Another coach, Susan McHugh, who last year went as a red devil, was this time dressed as a white angel.

Among the other locals who took part were Jane Sutcliffe, and Lisa Windruss, both 21. Jane said: "It is just stupid. It is good having fun and laugh."

Lisa added: "It is a good exciting way to start the new year."

Both were raising money for the Hippodrome appeal.

Afterwards, all the competitors were provided with free soup and bread at the nearby Top Brink Inn where trophies and certificates were also presented.