OTLEY Carnival Committee has named this year's parade winners – and admitted judging was tougher than ever.

The 2016 procession was actually delayed slightly on Saturday, as the judges agonised over which floats and walking groups should be crowned champions.

In the end, Westgate Primary School's colourful English Country Garden-themed entry emerged triumphant and was named overall winner.

The Otley Ukulele Orchestra, meanwhile, won Class 1 – for any decorated float or walking group produced by an adult organisation – and were awarded the Jack Barber Memorial Trophy.

Class 2, for floats or walking groups entered by junior organisations, was won by Little Green Frog Nursery whose theme was The Grand Old Duke of York. They were awarded the Chamber of Trade Challenge Shield.

The school category, Class 3, was won by Otley All Saints C of E Primary with its Enid Blyton-inspired Faraway Tree-themed entry. They received the Sharon Weston Memorial Shield.

And Ashfield Primary were victorious in Class 4 – any walking group produced by a school – with their space theme, and awarded the A H Stott Challenge Shield.

Finally Iris and Andy Bleasedale won Class 5 for having the best fancy dress among the collectors, and were presented with the Wharfedale Glass Challenge Shield.

The carnival committee's press and publicity officer, Nigel Gill, said: "The committee would like to thank all entries for making this year’s event another success.

"We would also like to thank Cooper Transport, Colin Pitt, David Cooper, Edward Johnson, Houldsworth Builders and Robert Midgley for providing lorries/vehicles for the parade, and Gary Stead and Dr Nick Allen for providing their cars.

"We also thank our parade judges – Ann Whiers from Harrogate Grammar School, Colin Whiers from Selby Sixth Form College and Betty Syril, formerly from Syril Academy Dance School at Baildon.

"We hope all those who watched the parade enjoyed themselves and are looking forward to the 2017 carnival!"

l See pages 22/59 for the full carnival report and photos