THE dedication of an Otley resident and the town's Euro MP was applauded on Friday night at Otley Town Council's annual Honorary Citizens Awards ceremony.

Families and residents from around the area gathered to applaud resident Betty Bevan and Euro MP Michael McGowan for their services to the area.

Leader of Otley Town Council Sue Egan praised their contributions to life in Otley.

She welcomed Mrs Bevan's work as a warden of sheltered houses, and her involvement with the Tenants and Residents Association. She also spearheaded the Space to Grow project for young people and Otley Action for Older People

Mr McGowan said: "I am honoured and thrilled to receive this award. I am very proud to represent you in the European Council, and I would like to thank Otley Town Council and the people of Otley."

He hailed Otley as an area which supported growth in education and the health service while remembering its long history.

He added: "I have been very pleased to see the way the Prince Henry's Grammar School has developed, and I hope that it may always remain a community school for the people. "This area has a great tradition of supporting the health service, and I hope that it will continue."

Mrs Bevan highlighted the needs of the community. She said: "I would like to thank many people here who have shown such kindness and courtesy.

"There's so much more to be done. I'm very aware of the needs of those around me, and of others on sheltered housing."

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