FANS of Otley Victorian Fayre's specially brewed ale are being urged to place their orders now.

The town's own Briscoe's Brewery is starting to make the ale now in time for the December pre-Christmas shopping event.

And after last year's sellout success of the ale, the brewery - behind The Bowling Green in Bondgate - is keen to make sure it makes enough to cope with demand.

Jonathan Kirkland of the fayre committee, said: "Victorian Velvet was so popular last year that we ran out before the end of the day. We don't want to make the same mistake this year and are urging all those who want it to place their orders now."

Due to take place on Friday, December 7, the Otley Victorian Fayre and Christmas Market will feature all the old favourites - street entertainers and plenty of people in Victorian dress.

Mr Kirkland said: "It will definitely go ahead, but we have had all the problems with foot and mouth which has meant a lot of people had thought it was going to be cancelled.

"A lot of traders are also feeling the pinch because of a down turn in trade, but even so we did get a good response for adverts in our catalogue."

He added: "It will be the one big event in the town that will actually take place this year."

Mr Kirkland said the event, which has been renamed to include Christmas Market - to promote the shopping side of it - would feature entertainers and street stalls.

School children would be involved by singing carols and there would be plenty of festive treats on offer.

"We are also trying to move the event further along Westgate this year," added Mr Kirkland.

And in the run-up to the event as well as on the night itself, Otley Community Players will perform Twelfth Night at the Black Horse.

Otley Little Theatre will also be performing its pantomime at the same time.

"There will be a lot of entertainment going on," said Mr Kirkland.

Efforts are being made to advertise the event to a wider market with notices going out in magazines covering the whole of Yorkshire.

"We want to encourage more people to come to the town and make it one of the major attractions for the Yorkshire calender," said Mr Kirkland.

It is also planned that Otley's first radio station, Wharfedale FM, will broadcast at the same time as the event.

"We're really pleased about that and it should mean that the event is known by more people," said Mr Kirkland.

Meanwhile, now is the time for people to book stalls for the event at £15 for the day from Nigel Francis on (01943) 463467.

To order cases of 15 bottles of Victorian Velvet, contact Trevor Wallis at The Bowling Green on (01943) 461494.