Mickey Mouse and Peppa Pig appeared in Otley this week to help turn on the town’s Christmas lights.

The duo assisted Otley Carnival Queen Katelyn May with the festive duty in the market square on Monday, December 2.

They were joined by Town Mayor Councillor Pam Gill (Lab, Manor), Town Bellman Terry Ford, other dignitaries – and a 500-strong crowd.

The audience was treated to performances by Otley All Saints Primary School choir, Otley Brass Band, and The Big Hoo-Ha Company, which showcased a children’s choir and rock band, an acapella choir and a ukulele group.

A fireworks display then brought the celebrations to a dramatic conclusion.

Town council leader Councillor John Eveleigh (Lab, Ashfield) said: “The event went really well and several people commented to me how good it was to have the Carnival Queen flicking the switch to light up the town.

“There were large crowds in festive mood, and the firework spectacular at the conclusion of the event went down particularly well.

“It was also good that Otley Lions had managed to procure the services of Santa for the evening.

“This sets us up for the fantastic Otley Victorian Fayre on Sunday, which promises to be bigger and better than ever.”