IN PICTURES: Villages battle for glory at Ye Olde Forge Valley Inn Tug of War near Scarborough

The event took place between teams from East and West Ayton over the River Derwent, with the losers being the first to take an early bath in the icy river.

The Tug of War is one of a number of events which took place at Ye Olde Forge Valley Inn on New Year’s Day to raise money for charities MacMillan, Saint Catherine’s and Mind.

Photographer Richard Ponter went along for the Scarborough News to capture all the fun from the annual stand off between East and West.