A SMALL but dedicated band of volunteers worked hard to help Otley clean up its act in time for yesterday's (Weds) Britain in Bloom judging.

Only a handful of people joined the community litter pick organised by the Otley Chamber of Trade to bring key areas of the town up to scratch.

And the absence of traders, businessmen and town leaders alike has disappointed those who took part. Tonia Hearne, chamber president, said: "I was disappointed no shopkeepers turned up and also members of the chamber and of the council, they were a very noticeable absence. But we did do a wonderful job to clear most of the route, filling up bags and bags of rubbish and weeds. I am very confident that we will do a lot better than last year and I would like to say a big thank you to all those who took part."

While the workers pictured took on the town centre, chamber member Dawn Merrick and husband Jim concentrated on Farnley Lane and Newall Carr Road.

Wharfedale Newspapers Editor-in-Chief Mel Vasey was among the litter-pickers, and was also disappointed at the low turn-out.

"When people were so disappointed with Otley's performance last year it seems a pity that more townsfolk were not prepared to give a little of their time to improving the town's image this time around," he said. "Once again things have been left to a small group of willing volunteers and all praise is due to them."

However, organisers remained positive the two judges due to arrive in Otley yesterday at 2pm, would find it in good shape. And they were hopeful of scoring more points than in 1998 when Otley came second from bottom in the spring judging of the competition.

They were taken on an hour-and-a-half-long tour of a special town route picking out some of Otley's best features and works in progress, such as the proposed Millennium Green and the town centre garden at the Midland Bank.

An extensive brochure compiled by town clerk Les Cross also pointed out schemes for the future, which organisers hope will bring success in later competitions.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.