Bridge jump looks likely

THE annual tradition of leaping off the bridge at Mappleton on New Year’s Day looks likely to go ahead again.

The event, which is not officially organised, will be subject to river conditions and a safety check by divers, but indications are that daredevils will be in action.

The bridge jump used to take place after a boat race, which has raised thousands for charity, but in recent years no group has come forward to run the official event – not that it failed to put off fans.

Dozens of people still turn out to watch the jumpers, who plunge around 30ft into the ice-cold River Dove below and this year the fun is predicted to begin around noon on New Year’s Day.