A group of Skipton traders have joined forces to show the town is alive and kicking, despite the foot and mouth epidemic.

Members of the Coach Street Consortium, a group which promotes that part of the town, say they want this Saturday's summer fair to fly the flag for the whole of Skipton.

A host of family attractions have been lined up, including competitions, craft demonstrations, stalls, guided walks, face painting, and an Indian head massage, with all proceeds going to the town's Christmas Lights appeal.

A spokesman for the Consortium said: "We want to show that it's not all doom and gloom in the town. While we feel desperately sorry for the plight affecting our local farmers and have ourselves felt the knock-on effects, we want to shout loud and clear that Skipton still retains its pride.''

He added: "We all feel that staging a special event in these difficult times is an excellent way of raising the town's profile, particularly among our regular visitors from Bradford, Leeds and surrounding areas, who may, of late, have felt a little wary about travelling here."

The Coach Street fair, which will also include a display from Wharfedale Fell Rescue Organisation and a Fresh AM roadshow, will take place between 10am and 3pm.

The area, near Skipton High Street, has been given a new lease of life in recent years with the creation of many shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants.