OTLEY'S Snowman Trail is set to return next winter following a successful debut.

Town Mayor Nigel Francis organised the first event as a way of boosting the town's Christmas-time profile while raising money for his 14+1 charity appeal.

The initiative, which asked businesses and residents to make snow figures - out of any material - and display them around town during December, attracted more than 130 entries.

It was just one of a host of festive fundraisers that Councillor Francis (Ind, Danefield) organised for the end of 2017.

He said: "When we started the trail we thought we would have a few snowmen here and there, but with 130 on the trail plus dozens of others who appeared as if by magic, it really added to the Christmas feeling.

"The one thing everyone is asking is will they be back next year? The simple answer is yes."

He added: "This past year we took on a massive job in putting on the Enhanced Christmas Market as well as concerts, a massive raffle, Christmas fayres, stalls and the Spirit of Christmas Day.

"Add the Snowman Trail to this and by the time Christmas Day came around I was almost as tired as Santa Clause!"

The Snowman Trail was co-organised by Cllr Francis' son, and mayor's Consort, Callum.

He said: "On behalf of my father and I we would like to thank everyone who took part in all the things we did over Christmas.

"Some of the snowmen were great and you could tell a lot of thought and work had gone into them all.

"If you visit our web sites at ovte.co.uk or 14plus1.weebly.com you will be able to see many more of them."

The project included producing a trail map for snowmen 'hunters' to follow and awards were also presented to the standout entries.

The Best Snowman in a Business title went to Kirkgate Jewellers, Best Outdoor Snowman to 4 St David's Road and the Best Snowman in a House to 8 Croft House Drive.

Awards were also presented to 7 Bremner Street for the Best Snowman Painting while Ross Casson, of All Saints Court, received the Winning Slogan award.

Cllr Francis also visited Otley's businesses on December 21 to decide which one had made the most effort to embrace the season.

In the end he decided the Donkey Sanctuary's fundraising shop and cafe, For the love of..., was the most deserving of the Spirit of Christmas Award.

*The results of the Town Mayor's Christmas Raffle can be seen in Otley Core, on Orchard Gate.