OTLEY'S inaugural Snowman Trail has been extended.

The event, which invited residents and businesses to create snow figures for display using any material, attracted more than 130 entries.

The organiser, Town Mayor Councillor Nigel Francis, had intended the trail to run until December 17 - but has decided, after the start was delayed due to an IT problem, that it will now continue until Saturday, December 23.

Residents are being invited to buy a trail booklet and map - available for a minimum donation of £1 from several local venues* - so they can spot all of the snowmen that have been placed around town.

The winning entries will be announced at the Buttercross at 2pm on December 23, when prizes will be presented.

Cllr Francis will conduct the final judging for the trail next Thursday, December 21 when he will also be visiting all of Otley's businesses to judge the Spirit of Christmas Award.

The annual award is presented to the local business which is deemed to have made the most effort to embrace the season, whether it be by offering free mince pies, playing festive music or just being welcoming.

*The booklets are available at: the Otley Core, on Orchard Gate; Colin Pitt Leeds Road Garage; Kim Lorraine Home Furnishings & Gifts, on Market Street; and Kirkgate Jewellers, on Kirkgate Arcade.

All proceeds from the trail will go to Cllr Francis' 14+1 charity appeal.