Ilkley is being considered as the venue for a special Millennium exhibition which will celebrate the phenomenon of UFOs.

Ufologists believe Ilkley Moor is a particular UFO hotspot and numerous sightings of strange objects in the sky and non-human creatures have been reported for many years.

Now the International UFO Research Network, with 18 branches across the world, is hoping someone in Ilkley will provide a location for what promises to be an 'out of this world' experience.

Russ Kellett, of the Bradford-based branch, said: "Because so many sightings have been reported in Ilkley over the years, it would be appropriate to have the exhibition in the town.

"We have had so many reports over the years in that area, many which simply cannot be dismissed as aircraft or weather balloons. This exhibition will be a good opportunity for people to see exactly what has been sighted, where and when.

"What we really want is for the Ilkley public to contribute to the exhibition. They may have taken photographs of an object or written something down about a strange experience. We are looking to stage the event later in the year, possibly some time around October."

Mr Kellett said the Bradford branch was working with Menston-based ufologist Nigel Mortimer for the event.

Mr Mortimer has devoted the past ten years to ufology, following up recorded sightings and refusing to accept that UFOs do not exist.

Ufologists believe Ilkley has received so much 'attention' from outer space visitors because it shares features consistent with other UFO hotspots including a geological fault - the Cow and Calf rocks - and low population.

The most famous sighting was of a 'little green man' observed by a former policeman on the moor in 1987.

Sceptics have dismissed the Ilkley-UFO connection but talks and tours organised by Mr Mortimer and his colleagues have always attracted a lot of interest.

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