THE OWNERS of land used by Otley Show each year have revealed more details about their hopes for the site.

The move by Basil Houldsworth and Sons coincides with Otley Show making a £500 donation to Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice.

The contribution was a 'thank you' to the Otley builders for carrying out a major tidy-up* of the former Bridge End cattle market site - which the show uses - earlier this year.

Otley Show Secretary Janet Raw said: "We are delighted to be able to make this donation to the Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice, which provides such care and support to people with life-limiting conditions."

Richard Houldsworth, who chose the charity and took part in the cheque presentation, said: "We are pleased to be able to assist Otley Show with their access and parking.

"Having been involved with the show for many years we appreciate the hard work put in by Janet and the team to provide Otley with this event for locals and visitors from far and wide.

"Our family have experienced on a number of occasions the special care provided by Sue Ryder at Wheatfields to the patients, families and loved ones.

"We are pleased to be part of the donation raised by Otley Show."

Senior Community Fundraiser for Wheatfields Hospice, Kirsty Christmas, added: "We rely heavily upon charitable donations to allow us to continue our vital work caring for local people in our hospice and in their own homes.

"We are absolutely delighted to receive this generous donation from the organisers of Otley Show and Richard Houldsworth."

Mr Houldsworth, meanwhile, has repeated his commitment to developing the Bridge End land in a way that benefits the town - and supports the under-construction Otley Flood Alleviation Scheme.

He said: "Since the former auction site has been in our ownership there has been a lot of speculation as to our intentions for the site.

"Following the floods in December, 2015 in which many residents in the area suffered major damage we have put the many thoughts and ideas we had aside.

"We will await the outcome of the reports and proposals from the environmental agencies and associated bodies/parties who are working on a scheme to relieve the flooding problems, particularly on Farnley Lane and Bridge Avenue.

"This may include works being carried out on the land in our ownership, to which we would give our full support.

"Whatever the outcome, our intentions, subject to planning approval, would be to create space and amenities which would benefit the residents and visitors to the town and at the same time ensure access and parking for the show

and carnival days in future years."

Preparations by Wharfedale Agricultural Society for next year's Otley Show, which takes place on Saturday, May 19 are already underway.

*The work included breaking up the former cattle market's old raised concrete base, removing hundreds of tonnes of debris and resurfacing.