Fayre will survive say residents

Morris dancers will still be performing in Otley

Otley residents have vowed to go ahead with their Christmas celebrations despite the cancellation of the town's Victorian fayre.

The popular event has fallen victim to the fire fighters' strike.

The fayre, which has been in existence for 15 years, was due to take place on Friday 6 December.

But with limited emergency cover due to the latest proposed walk-out by fire fighters the event was cancelled on safety grounds.

Fizzle out

Paul Harris, landlord of the town's Manor House pub, insists he and his fellow residents are determined to press ahead with a scaled-down version of events.

"We were all really disappointed when the Victorian fayre was cancelled but we are still determined to celebrate in our own way," he said.

"No-one is to blame but we do not want the event to fizzle out completely.

"Everyone will miss out if we do nothing, including charities and traders, so we will do what we can."

Mr Harris, 55, intends to don his traditional Prince Albert costume accompanied by wife Joyce who will be transformed into Queen Victoria on the night.

Local morris dancers and actors will also perform as planned to mark the beginning of Christmas in Otley.