A rejuvenated Otley Victorian Fayre committee is aiming to sell 1,000 programmes for this year’s event.

The news comes just two months after the organisers had warned that the traditional festive attraction may have to fold if more people didn’t step forward to lend a hand.

But thanks to an appeal in the Wharfedale & Airedale Observer the committee has recruited a handful of new members and is now fully focused on making the 2009 event a success.

One of the new recruits, Sara Quin, will start the publicity drive when she begins selling programmes throughout the town next month.

She said: “I have recently joined the committee and am responsible for selling 1,000 programmes. The programmes raise critical funds to stage the event.

“We will be selling them in various places throughout November and December and will be at the Otley Lights, in Sainsbury’s, on Friday, November 27 and Friday, December 4; at Otley Farmers Market on Sunday, November 29 and at various shops, pubs, cafes, churches and schools.

“In buying a programme for a mere £1 people will not only be providing invaluable funds for the running of the fayre but also getting the chance to enter our exciting anagram competition.

“About 25 establishments in the town have kindly offered to display a letter for our anagram in their window and people are invited to go around town, note down the letters and solve the anagram.

“The winner will be drawn from a hat and will win a Christmas goody bag worth about £250, as each business is giving us an item worth £10 or more.”

The fayre, which now costs between £10,000 and £12,000 a year to run, was started back in 1985 by Otley and District Chamber of Trade and Commerce to boost Christmas trade in the town.

The chamber decided on a Victorian theme as a good way of celebrating Otley’s history.

This year’s fayre will take place on Friday, December 11. Anyone who would like to help on the day or join the committee can contact chairman Steph Lee on 01943 461115, e-mail steph.lee7@talktalk.net.