You'd be barking to splash out £6 on the Loony Dook!

Paying to jump into the Forth on New Year's Day might not be everyone's idea of fun, but 1000 people are expected to shell out for the privilege as they kick off 2011.

The Loony Dook, which sees eager bathers leap into the Forth at South Queensferry, is to charge participants for the first time, with all proceeds going to charity.

The event became so popular last year that organisers feared they might have to cancel this year's for safety reasons. But they have now secured new sponsors to help meet the cost of stewarding and for the first time will ask participants to pay a 6 entry fee, with all proceeds going to RNLI South Queensferry, which helps ensure safety. Numbers are also to be capped at 1000.

The event is to become part of the Capital's official Hogmanay celebrations for the first time, being run with help from the city council and Unique Events, which runs the Hogmanay programme.

The Dook first took place in 1987 with just a handful of bathers but it has grown every year, with 1000 participants and 3000 spectators last year.

• Would you be willing to pay 6 to join in the annual Loony Dook in the Forth? Vote here

Organisers say that sponsorship from Haggis Adventures tour company will help them meet the costs of stewarding the event, and the support of Unique Events will also aid organisation. Loony Dook spokesman, David Steel, said: "It is true to say that the huge international popularity of the event has meant that we have become a victim of our own success but with the expertise which Unique brings to the table, we can ensure that The Loony Dook will not only survive but will undoubtedly thrive."

This year's big dip will kick off with a Grand Parade through South Queensferry, with pipers leading the swimmers towards the water.

The Loony Dook will be joined by a series of new events planned for New Year's Day by Unique Events, the rest of which will be announced next month.

Unique Events director Pete Irvine said: "This is a fantastic event and one which has grown in popularity every year. We are delighted to be working with the Loony Dook team and new sponsors Haggis Adventures to secure the future of the event and ensure that it remains a popular, and safe, event for both the Dookers and spectators."

Lord Provost George Grubb said he was delighted to see the Loony Dook become part of the official Hogmanay celebrations: "As a local councillor for South Queensferry, I have braved many a New Year's Day to witness - and, on two occasions, join - the hardy souls plunging into the Forth for the Loony Dook. It's a great event and I'm delighted to see it become part of the official Edinburgh's Hogmanay programme this year."

Entry is open from November 9 to December 30, with no entries available on the day - register at www.edinburghs hogmanay.com or on 0844 894 2011.