EYE-CATCHING art displays are springing up around Otley as part of a concerted effort to boost trade.

Otley BID has enlisted the help of Leeds artist Graham Tansley to turn a currently empty shop in the town centre into an 'awe inspiring' light display.

The work, at the former Essential Bargains premises on Orchard Gate, is part of the BID's Art in Empty Shops scheme which aims to transform vacant properties into exhibition spaces.

Mr Tansley is also putting up a display on Otley Chevin for Christmas, while local pupils are to paint a new set of murals along one side of Chevin Books, in Bay Horse Court.

Otley BID Manager Peter Mudge said: "As part of our Art in Empty Shops initiative we are delighted that Graham Tansley, a former lecturer at Leeds College of Art and organiser of Leeds Lights, has agreed to bring one of his awe inspiring light displays to Otley.

"The display is now up and running from 5pm to 10pm each night.

"Our aim is to breathe life back to any vacant properties in the town to showcase different types of local art.

"So please take time to visit this fantastic display, which we are sure you will agree is a welcome addition to Orchard Gate during this festive season.

"In addition to the Orchard Gate display Graham has also agreed to bring us Baubles on the Chevin.

"This second art display is a collection of colourful Christmas baubles that will adorn various trees on Otley Chevin, and be in situ throughout the Twelve Days of Christmas.

"Whilst walking your dog or taking a Sunday stroll please look out for these colourful displays and post them on our Facebook or Twitter pages at facebook.com/otleybid or twitter.com/otleybid and include the hashtag #OtleyBaubles.

"We’d love to see them shared far and wide for everyone to see!"

The murals at Bay Horse Court, meanwhile, will be painted by Prince Henry's Grammar School students and feature collections of books.

They were agreed on following discussions between Otley BID, the owners of Chevin Books and the school's Head of Art and Design, Shane Green.

The new work will follow on from a well-received mural already in place at the entrance of the courtyard, which was designed and painted by James Davies at Studio Seven Art.

Looking forward to the new pieces of art, Mr Mudge added: "This will further enhance the courtyard, thus attracting more visitors and residents to this hidden gem of local independent businesses."

Otley Town Council Chairman Councillor Ray Georgeson (Lib Dem, Danefield) said: "The town council applauds the efforts being made by Otley BID and local businesses, together with schools and community groups, to brighten up the street-scene around empty shops.

"Otley in fact has a lower than national average rate of empty shops, but those few that remain empty always attract comment so all efforts to put them to good use and liven up dull corners is very welcome."

Otley BID would like to thank Chris Pugh from Tatton Estates, Orchard Gate Caretaker Alan Varney and Sally Neill for making the former Essential Bargains shop available for Mr Tansley's artwork.

Anyone with ideas about premises that could host a display should send an e-mail to peter.mudge@otleybid.co.uk .