ILKLEY'S new town crier made her debut appearance in the role to give the Yorkshire Day Declaration at the town bandstand on today, Friday.

Isabel Hogan performed her first official function as Ilkley Town Crier, in front of civic dignitaries and a crowd of local people, who braved wet weather for the Yorkshire Day celebrations.

The Lord of Mayor of Bradford, Ilkley ward councillor, Mike Gibbons, and Ilkley Parish Council chairman, Andrew Walbank, were among those gathered on The Grove for the ceremony.

Celebrations - for the most hardened outdoor types - began with a walk from the Cow and Calf Rocks to White Wells on Ilkley Moor, followed by a procession led by a jazz band from Mill Ghyll to the bandstand.

The crowd sang On Ilkley Moor Baht 'At, accompanied by a brass band.

The ceremony was followed by a free concert at the Clarke Foley Centre.

Yorkshire Day also marks the beginning of the month-long Ilkley Summer Festival.