THE Summer Solstice Swim at Ilkley Lido attracted record numbers as swimmers welcomed in the longest day of the year on Friday.

Three hundred and twenty five swimmers braved the early morning to take the plunge in the unheated outdoor pool on Denton Road, Ilkley.

They gathered for the annual sunrise dip from 4.45am and swam until 6.30am. Some were wearing wetsuits as the water temperature was just 16C.

Entry was £4 per person and the cafe was open selling hot drinks and snacks for the swimmers to warm up.

Last year the event attracted 276 swimmers.

Davy Simpson from Friends of Ilkley Lido, organisers of the event, was pleased with record numbers.

He said: “It’s got bigger and better every year! We’ve got some great numbers and it really shows the event is worthwhile.

“It’s great for people coming in and heading off to work afterwards, feeling smug about themselves that they’ve been up early and got a swim in!”

“The sun coming up over the pavilion was perfect. Huge thanks to Bradford Council staff for running this. It’s a great event to showcase the Lido.”

Summer Solstice occurs when the sun reaches its highest position in the sky and is the day with the longest period of sunlight - also marking the first day of summer.