MANY of Otley's top-performing businesses will be celebrated at an awards ceremony this week.

Sixty nine local firms will find out how they have fared when the 2018 Otley Business Awards are held at the Courthouse on Friday, March 23.

Shoppers and customers were invited to vote for their choices, across 11 categories including everything from Best Cafe to Best Large Business, throughout January.

The annual event is sponsored by Otley Chamber of Trade, Otley BID and Otley Town Council as well as a number of local businesses.

One of the organisers for the Chamber of Trade, Tom Hatley, said: "The event is now in its fourth year and continues to grow year on year which is fabulous, and just shows the passion that Otley has for its independent businesses.

"We have a wide selection of retail and service sector businesses who offer a such a broad spectrum of products and expertise.

"This event was created to celebrate these businesses and showcase Otley as a place to shop and trade.

"The evening will be made especially exciting by the attendance of our Motivational Speaker, Jason Richards - owner of Yorkshire Trike Tours and Winner of Yorkshire Businessman of the Year 2017.

"We would like to wish all the nominees the very best of luck for the awards ceremony.

"And we are again delighted to have the support of some great local businesses without whom this event would not be possible."

This year's Media Sponsor is Stray FM, while the category award sponsors are: Bondgate Bakery; The Yorkshire Marketing Company; Arundel Travel; Stew & Oyster; Hollins Crowe & Storr; Courtyard Planters; Newstead & Walker; Doris Dent; Aura Jewellery; Winpenny Photography; Christopher Little & Co.