MP Greg Mulholland and local sports commentator John Helm were among the special guests at The Rotary Club of Otley’s 80th charter dinner.

A donation towards the club's fundraising for the Prada Willi Syndrome Association was also made by the organisers of Otley Beer Festival on the evening.

The association is the club president Keith Thompson’s charity of the year, and members recently raised more than £2,600 for it by holding a sponsored walk.

Mr Thompson said: “Our 80th charter dinner was a great success with excellent speeches from District 1040 governor Mark Stewart-Clarke, followed by a toast to the club by Mr Mulholland and a response to the toast to our guests from John Helm. All in all a worthy celebration of 80 years of ‘service before self’. During the evening a Paul Harris Fellow award was also presented to president-elect Peter Heald for his services to the community of Otley.”

Mr Mulholland (Lib Dem, Leeds North West) said: “A huge congratulations to Otley Rotary Club on their 80th anniversary. I was honoured to have been asked to propose to toast them on reaching this milestone.

“I would like to pay tribute to all the outstanding good work the club has done since it was set up in 1933. It is a testament to the hard work of members throughout the years that it is still going strong today.”

  • The 13th Otley Beer Festival, meanwhile, will take place at Otley Rugby Club from noon to 11pm on Friday, November 8, and Saturday, November 9.

The fundraising event will feature live music and more than 60 real ales along with a selection of real cider and perry and beers from around the world. Soft drinks and food will also be provided.

Organised by Otley Rats (Real Ale Tasting Society), the festival has raised nearly £60,000 for Otley All Saints Parish Church and local charities since 2002. Last year’s event was enjoyed by about 1,500 ale enthusiasts.

Admission to the 2013 festival costs £5 which includes a programme, souvenir glass, and £2.50 drink token. Visit otleybeerfestival.co.uk/ for more details.