After being postponed twice earlier in January due to the severe weather, the New Year Swim at Lee Dam, Lumbutts, Todmorden, was finally able to go ahead on Sunday afternoon.

The swim has always been well supported by Hebden Bridge people and for some years was held at Hebden Bridge Marina when the dam was unavailable.

Men, women and children braved the water, which was a chilly 2C, in an attempt to be the first to retrieve the wooden cup which was thrown into the water before the race began.

Deborah Sullivan, from Todmorden Amateur Swimming Club, which organised the event, said: "It went really well.

"It would be good if it continues for another 50 years as it's a nice tradition still to have."

Ten-year-old Ben Ashton, of Todmorden, won the boys' race.

Rebecca Sullivan, 15, was the winner of the girls' race for the third time in a row.

Samantha Robinson, 30, of Walsden, who participated in the event for the first time, won the women's race and Ross Coates was victorious in the men's race. The fancy dress prize was won by Scott Edwards, who wore a Spiderman costume.

After the event, swimmers warmed up with hot soup and rolls in the Top Brink pub, followed by the presentation of trophies to the winners by Mayor of Todmorden, Coun Cheryl Stovin.

Half of the money raised by the sponsored swim will go to the swimming club to train teachers for the children.

The other half will go to each swimmer's chosen charity.

Organisers thanked Todmorden Sub Aqua Club, the 20th Todmorden Scouts, Eileen and Joanne from St John Ambulance, the Top Brink pub and all the Todmorden businesses who donated raffle prizes.

The appreciation trophy was presented to Ann Sutcliffe for her many years of hard work with the swimming club and the New Year Swim.

Towers Construction sponsored the event.