THE OTLEY Business Awards have been cancelled at short notice due to coronavirus-related uncertainty.

The 2020 awards ceremony was due to be held at Otley Parish Church on Friday, March 20.

But on Monday, March 16 Otley Chamber of Trade (OCT) announced that it had been called off.

A post on the Chamber's Twitter account said: "Amidst the uncertainty and contradictory advice across the media, OCT has attempted to show leadership by following Chief Medical Officer advice on public gatherings.

"It is apparent that with a potentially much reduced turnout and complications with the venues the Otley Business Awards would be compromised.

"Regrettably, the decision has therefore been taken to cancel the #OBA20 ceremony for this year. Awards will be distributed to the winners in due course."

It added: "Suppliers to the awards ceremony will be supported. OCT continues to advise through our social media outlets that #Otley itself is still open for business."

Covid-19, meanwhile, is continuing to spread in countries around the world - with 1,391 confirmed cases in the UK, and 35 deaths, to date.

Local residents are being urged to help vulnerable neighbours during the outbreak.

Councillor Barry Anderson (Con, Adel & Wharfedale) is sharing a form that has been created as part of the #viralkindness campaign.

Started by Becky Wass in Cornwall the campaign is based around delivering a postcard - which has been widely shared on social media - to a neighbour with the message 'Hello! If you are self-isolating, I can help'.

The card can be found to download by searching for #viralkindness on Facebook and Cllr Anderson is hoping Wharfedale and Aireborough residents will take up the idea.

He said: "If you feel that you can offer help please do print it out and post it through a neighbour's door."

The cards include boxes for people to put in their address and contact details along with how they can help - which can include by picking up shopping, making a phone call, posting mail or getting urgent supplies.

Certain groups of people, including those aged 60 and over and people who have a long-term medical condition, are more at risk of serious illness if they catch Covid-19.

The UK Government says that within the next few weeks it will be asking the over 70s to stay at home - potentially for up to four months - to protect themselves.

Although the Government has not yet banned mass gatherings it is expected to do so shortly and the May local elections have been postponed based on advice from the Electoral Commission.

Many event organisers - including the English Premier League - have already taken action themselves by cancelling or delaying events.