OTLEY'S recently launched river boats venture has suffered an early blow.

All of Otley Boats' boats and pedalos were swept downstream on Monday morning due to a submerged tree in the river.

The tree had caught the chain of the anchored boats and dragged them down past the weir, where most became snagged on an island of trees.

Otley jeweller Chris Thornton only launched the business in August, bringing river rowing boats back to the town after a gap of 16 years.

He said: "What happened is that a great big tree came through under the bridge and, as it's come past, it's got underneath the anchors and chain and lifted them all up.

"Luckily all of the rowing and safety boats got snagged on the trees just below the weir, though I may have lost a few pedalos.

"This means I'll have to have a couple of days off work to get it sorted out and hopefully the river should drop in the next couple of days so we can get them out and back up."

Mr Thornton is also hoping to hear from any residents who could lend a hand with the boat recovery operation.

Putting an appeal out on the Otley Boats Facebook page, he said: "My plan is to wait until the river level drops then retrieve the boats to the bank.

"If there are any strong people available in a day or two to help it would be greatly appreciated."

Anyone wishing to help, or who has spotted a pedalo downstream of Otley, can contact him via the Otley Boats page or by calling (01943) 467500.

Otley Town Council, meanwhile, voted unanimously this week to support a resolution congratulating Mr Thornton on bringing boat hire back to the River Wharfe.

The council's policy and resources committee also pledged to support him in promoting the business as part of its campaign to raise the town's profile as a visitor destination.

Council Chair Councillor Ray Georgeson said: "I know how hard Chris has worked to make this dream a reality and was pleased to see the town council express its formal support.

"Perhaps more importantly today though, was to see all the informal support Chris has received from our community with offers of help to recover the boats displaced in the river incident on Monday.

"It shows yet again what a great community we live in and how much support and goodwill there is for Chris as he gets the boat business up and running."