AN OTLEY seamstress has created a Mayoral robe for the town.

Otley Town Council agreed at its budget in January to commission a new outfit to be ready for this year’s mayor-making ceremony on May 14.

Many towns across the country have mayoral robes but Otley, until now, has not been among them - even though the Town Bellman is always in full regalia.

So the council commissioned Jo Palmer, from Sew Very Historical, to design and create new robes in the traditional Otley colours of blue and silver.

A decision was taken to use locally produced fabrics, too, wherever possible.

Town Councillors Linda Hoare and Sylvia Thomson were enlisted to, with Jo's assistance, track down the materials that were needed.

Cllr Hoare said: "Having looked at fabrics from various locations it was decided to use fabric woven on the premises of the local family-owned Marton Mills, at Pool-in-Wharfedale, where Zack Whitehead professionally went through a selection of fabrics with us.

"They had a cloth that was perfect for our needs and the colour we were looking for - an electric blue."

Cllr Thomson added: "Jo also took us to some wonderful fabric shops and, after much searching, we found a perfect silver braid suitable for edging the gown."

Cllr Hoare added: "We had a basic idea of what we wanted, we just needed Jo's creativity and skills to make the design final."

The council also had a coat of arms woven badge made at Wharfedale Embroidery, in Otley, and commissioned two sizes of gowns to cater for different sizes of mayor.

Newly appointed Town Mayor Councillor Mary Vickers, the first mayor to try on the new outfit, said: "I’m delighted with the results."

Jo Palmer added: "It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to make the Otley Town Mayor robes.

"Variety keeps me interested - I am Seamstress JoJo to locals, Designer JoJoOneChance in Leeds Market boutique, and to the re-enactment community I am Sew Very Historical!

"Cllr Vickers looks well kitted out in her new robes so I am feeling very proud."