TWO six foot tall soldiers are about to become permanent fixtures in Otley.

The Town Council has agreed to buy the transparent silhouettes as part of the town's commemoration events to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War.

Produced for the Remembered charity's 2018 There But Not There Armistice project, the 'Tommy' figures are set to be installed in the triangle of land opposite the Post Office.

The council, at its Policy and Resources Committee meeting this week, also agreed to purchase two commemorative benches for the Memorial Gardens.

Chair Councillor Ray Georgeson (Lib Dem, Danefield) said: "This will be a fitting tribute to the fallen that responds to the need to mark the end of the war.

"Installing the Tommies, which are evocative and dignified, in a prominent and busy public place is designed to encourage the public to take a moment in their busy days to remember, catching the eye at unexpected moments.

"The message of There But Not There captures the spirit of this elegant commemoration very well and we are delighted to be able to contribute."

The Tommies cost £750 each (not including installation while the benches - the existing benches will be relocated to other town centre sites as they are still in good condition - will cost £695 apiece.

The Remembered charity, which hopes its silhouettes will help people remember the fallen, also seeks to educate about the causes of the First World War and to raise money for a number of groups including Help for Heroes and Combat Stress.