OTLEY Pub Club has enjoyed an 'action packed' 2017.

That was the conclusion of the report Chair Andy Fitzgerald presented to the group's AGM last week.

Speaking at the Yew Tree Inn on Thursday, October 5, Mr Fitzgerald told members: "We have had one of our busiest years with events and activities which help to promote Otley as a famous pub town and play an active part in the life of the community.

"Activities included publishing and distributing a reprint of the popular Historic Ale Trail guide, taking part in many of Otley’s main events such as the Walking, Food, Folk and Beer festivals and the Victorian Fayre.

"The highlight of the year was the televised launch of the project to rename all the town’s pubs with the names of Yorkshire celebrities.

"A poll was held for Yorkshire Day when 21 celebrities chosen by a popular vote were paired with pubs - the club and pubs will now invite the chosen celebrities to visit their pub and the town on Yorkshire Day next year."

Mr Fitzgerald also invited more people to get actively involved with the club.

He said: "We welcome anyone who likes pubs, Otley, good company and good beer.

"What’s not to like about that?

"We have monthly socials and, even if you don’t do meetings, you can still get involved in any of our events.

"The details are on our website, otleypubclub.co.uk , and in our monthly newsletters."

He went on to thank the committee members for their work and expressed gratitude to Otley's pubs, the club's sponsors, and supporters including Ilkley Brewery, Doris Dent estates and Otley Camera Club.

Looking forward to the coming year, he said the group would be running the Elise Brumfit Award again for the 'best dressed' pub at the Victorian Fayre.

It will also be supporting celebrations to mark the 300th anniversary of Thomas Chippendale and the renaming of Otley’s pubs for 2018 Yorkshire Day.