A 'NATIONAL treasure' has expressed her delight at having an Otley pub named after her.

The Horse and Farrier, on Bridge Street, will be renamed the Dame Judi Dench this August to celebrate Yorkshire Day.

Twenty one of the town's inns will each temporarily adopt a different celebrity's name on Yorkshire Day after Otley Pub Club had asked people to vote for their favourites.

The club is also inviting the stars to come along on August 1 to enjoy a drink in 'their' pub - and Dame Judi is one of the first to have responded.

Writing to the club's Secretary, Bob Brook, just before Christmas, she said: "How absolutely wonderful to have a Yorkshire pub named after me!

"I could not be more pleased.

"I will put the date in my diary and keep my fingers crossed that I will be able to get to Otley on August 1, or some time during that month.

"Please thank everyone for voting for me. I shall boast about it forever!

"With very best wishes for Christmas and the New Year, and I hope to see you in August.

"Judi Dench."

The club had asked people to choose celebrities from the region - Dame Judi was born in York - to grace the names of their locals during August.

Other stars who were picked, and have also been invited to visit, include playwright Alan Bennett (The Cross Pipes), Nicola Adams OBE (The Red Lion), and Jarvis Cocker (The Manor House).

Lord of the Rings star Sean Bean, meanwhile has been paired with the Fleece, magician Dynamo with the Roebuck, and new Doctor Who Jodie Whittaker with The Black Bull.

Otley's very own champion cyclist, Lizzie Deignan, is also among the luminaries and her name will go up at The Royalty, on Otley Chevin.