SEVENTEEN hardy individuals took the plunge into the icy waters of Lee Dam, Lumbutts, Todmorden, in the annual New Year's dip.

Cheered on by a crowd of over 100, the swimmers, many in fancy dress, ran into the murky waters of the moorland dam before swimming out to retrieve a floating wooden trophy.

First to the cup was 20-year-old Kristian Heath of Todmorden. A student in London, this was the first time Kristian had taken part in the event.

Back under the flimsy shelter of the fir trees at the side of the lake, he said: "It was brilliant, really good. I enjoyed it."

Taking the plunge for the fourth time was 30-year-old Trudi Deakin, a dietician at Burnley General Hospital. Trudi, of Hebden Bridge, was dressed as a clown. She said: "I just do it for fun. It is freezing but afterwards in the pub you feel marvellous."

Brother and sister, David Goggs and Nicola Horsfall of Todmorden have watched the event before but this was the first time they had taken part.

David, 37, a milkman, was dressed as a waiter and Nicola, 39, a primary school teacher at Rochdale, as a bunny girl.

The event is organised to raise funds for Todmorden Swimming Club.

One of the organisers, David Sutcliffe, said: "I would not say going into the water is nice, but it is invigorating and certainly wakes you up."

Some of the experienced swimmers complained that conditions this year were too mild.

In previous years, they had to break the ice before taking the plunge!

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