For a second year the annual New Year’s Day tradition of plunging into the cold water of the spa pool at White Wells on Ilkley Moor has been cancelled due to Covid-19.
Normally hundreds of brave souls celebrate the new year by taking the challenge of a dip in the water, however Mark Hunnebell who runs White Wells has had to regrettably cancel the event: "Unfortunately we cannot accommodate the New Year's Day Plunge on 1st January 2022. Due to concerns over limiting the spread of the Covid-19 'Omicron Variant', we have taken the decision that it is in the public interest not to hold the plunge this time around. It is very disappointing for us too because it is such a popular event in the town's calendar.
"We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy New Year and all the best for 2022, and hope that we can host the New Year's Day Plunge again on 1st January 2023!"
Walkers can still support the cafe which will be open for takeaways between 10am and 5pm.