OTLEY has enjoyed a 'big green weekend'.

The Courthouse hosted the 2018 Otley Green Fair on Saturday, April 21 - while a three day litter pick was underway in the town.

The fair, a celebration of all things environmentally-friendly, saw art workshops, cookery demonstrations and all kinds of stalls set up at the Courthouse.

The litter-pick was led by Otley Town Councillors and had originally been due to take place in March as part of The Great British Spring Clean.

The clean-up saw councillors joined by residents and new Otley Caretaker Richard Normally between Friday, April 20 and Sunday, April 22.

Town Council Chair Councillor Ray Georgeson (Lib Dem, Danefield) said: "It was an excellent response from our community for the Otley 'big clean' weekend.

"Around thirty volunteers took part over the three days, including a great turnout on Friday for the launch session which was sent on its way by Otley Bellman Terry Ford."

The event's lead organiser, Councillor Linda Hoare (Lib Dem, West Chevin) added: "A huge thank you to all the volunteers who joined in and a special mention to those volunteers who do their bit, outside of our organised events, to keep our community clean and tidy.

"Their efforts are appreciated and make a difference.

"We collected many bags of general rubbish, bottles and cans, cigarette ends, dog dirt and sweet wrappers.

"Do join us at future events - our growing band of volunteers always welcomes new faces."

Hazel Costello, from Otley Courthouse, meanwhile hailed the Green Fair as: "A great day with lots of sunshine and plenty of visitors."

The fair also featured the official launch of the town council's MyOtleyCup scheme, which is promoting the use of reusable, bamboo coffee cups branded with a MyOtleyCup logo.

Cllr Georgeson ran a stall selling the cups, and talking to residents about the need to reduce disposable waste, at the event.

He said: "I'm delighted by the warm response to the MyOtleyCup initiative and at the Green Fair the cups were selling like hot cakes - I was on my feet all day and am not complaining!

"Many thanks to everyone who supported the idea by buying a cup and I look forward to seeing them being carried about as I walk about town.

"The MyOtleyCup is available in a range of designs and sizes from the council's offices on Orchard Gate and at an increasing number of outlets in Otley, including Sift Cafe and Bondgate Bakery - who I'm pleased to say were early supporters of the idea.

"Several outlets will also offer a discount on your takeaway drink if you have a refill using your own cup, so you can save money and reduce waste at the same time.

"I would ask any Otley coffee sellers who wish to stock some cups (on a sale or return basis, non-profit making for the council) to please contact me through the office and we will pop round with some."