THE COUNTDOWN to Otley Carnival has begun – but the event is still in need of more volunteers to ensure it is a success.

The 2016 carnival takes place on June 18 and, as always, will begin with a colourful parade of decorated floats, vehicles and walking groups.

The procession starts from Wharfedale Farmers Auction Mart at 1.15pm, and will wind its way through the town down to the carnival field at Bridge End.

Schools, charities and businesses will all be taking part, along with a number of bands, including the City of Leeds Pipe Band, Otley Brass Band, Yeadon Air Cadets and Westgate Cheerleaders.

Crowds lining the route can also expect to be entertained by the Trewit Youth Band, Foxwood Steel Bandits with East Street, Otley Ukulele Band, Drums Agogo and Slick Stick Sambastic with Honley Samba.

But the carnival committee is keen to recruit more helpers for the day to assist as either street collectors or at the carnival field.

Press officer, Nigel Gill, said: "Any potential collectors just need to turn up at the Auction Mart, where the carnival parade commences.

"Potential collectors are encouraged to dress up, and though it is not mandatory, there is a prize for the best outfit.

"Any volunteers who prefer to help at the carnival field should e-mail Rhona Smith via rhonavsmith@yahoo.co.uk and she will able to give the full lists of jobs needed to be filled."

Entertainment at the carnival field will include an H & M Dog display, music from Otley Ukulele Orchestra and an exhibition by Kenshinkan Martial Arts.

Other attractions will include Punch and Judy, giant inflatables, donkey rides, charity and commercial stalls, fairground rides and a variety of refreshments.

Carnival programmes, priced £1, are available now from a number of shops in the town and Otley Library, with proceeds going to the 2016 beneficiaries: Yorkshire Cancer Research, Wheatfields Hospice and Behind Closed Doors.