SKIPTONIANS are being asked to help mould the town's main millennium initiative.

An organised, sign-posted walk taking in historic landmarks looks set to be Skipton's most likely means of marking the year 2000.

Although a route has been drawn up, the local Millennium Task Group is keen to pick the brains of locals in a bid to uncover any hidden historic gems that may be lurking among the town's streets and houses.

The end of 1999 is likely to be packed with every kind of celebration in the area, from individual parties to High Street festivities on New Year's Eve itself.

But the Skipton Millenium Task Group, made up of representatives from various businesses and groups in the town, is hoping to co-ordinate a more permanent way of marking the occasion.

The stumbling block has been coming up with something more practical and inventive than a static monument, and a working trail taking in the town's history, environment, religious heritage and beauty spots is the strongest idea yet. During the next 18 months it is hoped that the project finds its own feet and grows with the input of residents and traders.

Task Group chairman Geoff Thomas, of Thomas's Jewellers, explained: "We are trying not to show Skipton just as a tourist town but displaying its story through historic places like the old Ermysted's Schoolhouse, Aireville House and, of course, the castle.

"Then of course there are all the churches. I am told that you can trace the entire history of Britain through Skipton's churches.

"But it could also be about all the quirky stories attached to various houses and pubs in town. I want people to come forward to tell us anything of interest. Did a famous historical or literary figure once spend the night in your house centuries ago? Or are there any unusual architectural features in the town that only you know about?

"As well as signposts and a guide, hopefully printed in various languages, we could also put up speaker plaques like the blue ones in London, marking the residences of passed-on celebrities and points of historical interest."

The idea was sanctioned by last week's meeting of the public relations, tourism and arts committee of Skipton Town Council, with all members saying they intended to give it their full support.

The Herald will be publishing full details of the proposed route shortly, and also asking local people to solve some of the conflicting details.

Many other spin-off ideas are being toyed with by the Millennium Task Group, but one of the most exciting involves using the Internet to ensure Craveners get the most out of their millennium celebrations.

The Task Group, in collaboration with internet website design company Daelnet, is hoping to set up a Millennium Events Diary, displaying all important celebratory events in the region from October 1999.

The idea is designed to avoid organisations booking clashing dates.

l Those with anything to contribute to the Millenium Walk can contact Geoff Thomas on 01756 795353, alternatively contact the Herald newsdesk on 01756 794117 or e-mail us at craven.editorial@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk

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