Otley residents will be able to pledge their allegiance to 'God's own county' this Saturday during Yorkshire Day celebrations.

Town Bellman Paddy Steval will read the statement of loyalty at 11.23am exactly at the Buttercross, affirming the history and traditions of the Ridings of Yorkshire.

Organised by the Yorkshire Ridings' Society, the time reflects the 1,123 years the ancient boundaries of east, north, west and the City of York have been standing.

The group has hired the Buttercross for the whole of Saturday and will be releasing 500 balloons at 4pm, set off by Otley Town Mayor Mike Evans.

There will also be a stall selling all kinds of Yorkshire mementoes from white roses to T-shirts, as well as the special balloons at £1 each.

Otley-based company White Rose International Ltd is encouraging businesses to join in the spirit by working in conjunction with the society.

It is selling packages containing white roses, flags and personalised copies of the declaration to help mark the special day.

Company member, Sean Emmett, said around eight local organisations had taken advantage of the package.

"The Bowling Green pub is flying the flag already, and the Bay Horse has bought one, although won't be flying it until the day."

The Multiple Sclerosis Society will benefit from funds raised on Saturday.

A special Tykes Trail is also part of the celebrations. Promising to uncover all the hidden nooks and crannies of Otley, the trail follows a treasure hunt format setting out from the Manor House pub at 6.30pm.

Organisers and pub landlords, Paul and Joyce Harris, pledge it will reveal hidden delights to surprise even the most knowledgeable resident.

Prizes will be on offer to those who find the answers secreted away about Otley following the trail, which is estimated to last around an hour-and-a-half.

A light supper will be available to those taking part on their return to the pub, as well as a raffle.

The evening will also see the result of an all-day crossword which will be announced at 10. Forms will be on offer in the pub from the morning's opening with all clues related to facts about Otley and Yorkshire.

Final entries for the Tykes Trail must be made by 7.30pm and cost £1 per person, or £3.50 for a group of four.

Celebrations for Yorkshire Day in Aireborough will kick-off with a penalty shoot-out between its MP, Paul Truswell, and Leeds United staff.

The competition will mark the beginning of a day of activities at Rawdon Library promoting all things Yorkshire from 10am.

Other attractions on offer at the New Road Side library will be various stalls promoting the county's delights, as well as speakers who will discuss traditional aspects of Yorkshire life and business such as textiles and brewing.

Former world champion snooker player Joe Johnson and snooker referee Len Ganley will be joining in Yorkshire Day celebrations Greenwoods, in Oxford Road on Saturday and Sunday.

Customers will be entertained by a jazz band and given the chance of free fish and chips from Harry Ramsdens and free pork pies from Guiseley-based Brown's pork butchers.

In the afternoons, Joe Johnson will be accepting snooker challenges from members of the public, with Len Ganley keeping an eye on the game.

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