Ilkley is in danger of losing another jewel in its cultural crown because of the closure of the town's college campus.

World-famous ballet seminars moved from the town to Ripon because of the campus closure. Now it is the turn of Ilkley's own opera company to end up without a base.

Yorkshire OperaShop, run by former international soprano Pamela Cotton, moved into the college building after leaving the Wharfebank Business Centre in Otley.

The temporary home will be lost by July 4 and a desperate search has been launched to find new premises.

Ms Cotton said: "If we can't get somewhere I shall just have to give up. It is a shame really because we have a following and our standard is quite high."

The company needs to rent a space large enough to accommodate Pamela Cotton's grand piano and where she can give lessons in the evening.

OperaShop member Maura Peake said: "Any kind of space like a garage or warehouse which is not being used will do."

The company first put out a plea for a new permanent home in October last year.

Mrs Peake said: "We were approached by one or two people but for some reason it did not work out. We need somewhere every single day."

She said that the search had now become desperate and any venue such as a hall or barn in or around Ilkley would be ideal.

She said: "There are lot of places above business premises. There are halls available but to persuade people to allow us to move in is difficult."

The 20-strong opera company was formed in 1988 with the aim of promoting opera and classical music in the region.

Anyone who can help out Yorkshire Opera/Shop should call Ms Cotton on 01943 603490.

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