PREPARATIONS for this year's Otley Carnival are already in full swing.

The 2016 event was given an early boost through a successful collection held at December's Victorian Fayre.

Next up will be the important business – sponsored by Complete Care Agency – of choosing the Carnival Queen along with her consort, deputy and attendants.

Children wishing to be considered must be from Otley and aged between ten and 12 for the queen, consort or deputy position, and from seven to nine for the attendants.

All entrants must be accompanied by a parent or guardian on selection night, which will be March 11.

Contact Wendy Corden on 01943 463954 or e-mail to michael.corden@sky.com for entry forms or more details.

The carnival committee is already taking bookings for the showfield for this year’s June 18 event.

E-mail Natalia at natalia_hannan@hotmail.co.uk or Ann Steval at steval@btinternet.com for stall application forms.

The committee is also keen to welcome new floats or walking displays to the 2016 Parade. Contact Diana via e-mail at nick_diana_allen@hotmail.com or call 01943 462498.

The carnival has this week held its annual poster competition, where schoolchildren were asked to produce a colourful design for this year's programme.

Blue Octopus has provided prizes for each of the competition's age groups, and a T-shirt for the overall winning design has been donated by Colour Fusion.