OTLEY'S Parish Church has held its 'most ambitious' event yet following a major refurbishment.

All Saints hosted a fundraising Fashion Show featuring a catwalk, stalls, a tombola and an auction on Friday, June 17.

Organised by Courtney Thompson of Harriets Clothing - which has stores in Otley and Horsforth - the evening proved a hit and raised more than £1,600 for Alzheimer's Society.

More than 200 people attended and the church's voluntary Administrator, Linda Sharp, said the event highlighted "what a tremendous, versatile venue the building is".

She added: "Otley Parish Church is first and foremost a place of Christian worship and the intention is not to turn it into just another events venue.

"Nonetheless, it is not a building that belongs solely to its Sunday congregation but to the whole community of Otley.

"The aim of the evening was not only to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Society but also to bring together some of Otley’s small, independent businesses.

"There were a dozen stalls, a tombola and an auction of donated prizes, together with a bar which was run free of charge by David from Bar Hire Yorkshire.

"Canapes were provided by Marc Philpott of eatartvenues and sponsored by S Thompson Plant Hire of Otley - it all made for a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

"Weddings, baptisms, funerals and weekly Sunday services will always be the church’s first priority, but it also aims to be welcoming and accessible to the whole population of the town and a living, vibrant place at the heart of the community."

For more details about All Saints or other events planned at the church for this year visit otleyparishchurch.org or call Linda on (01943) 465927.

*The church held a Dedication Weekend to celebrate its £600,000 refurbishment, designed to make it better suited for a whole range of uses, in February.

The scheme involved adding underfloor hearing, adding a new lighting and sound system, improvements to the entrance and toilets and the removal of many of the building's fixed pews, to allow more flexible seating.