A DONKEY derby is set to draw the crowds to this year's Otley Carnival.

Five teams of young jockeys will battle it out in a series of knockout races at the event on Saturday, June 17. And with carnival goers able to bet on the races, the event is expected to be a big draw.

Carnival committee chairman Bryan Dexter said it was a first for the event. Donkeys are supplied by a company which organises the races and the final with just a race caller and teams provided by the carnival committee.

"We're looking for five teams of five jockeys and will be asking local riding schools if they'd like to put up a team. We're also asking companies to sponsor races.

"It should be great. We've never done anything like it before and no doubt the betting will get people going."

This year's carnival will also see a reduction in the length of parade - because of the number of children walking at the event which in recent years has been held on one of the hottest days of the year.

From now on, the parade, including floats and walking groups, will set off from Wharfedale Farmers Auction Mart, Leeds Road and go along Gay Lane and straight into Bondgate, Kirkgate and Manor Square, rather than taking in Charles Street and Boroughgate.

Mr Dexter said: "We decided to change the route because we've noticed over the years that there's not a lot of people who watch at Charles Street or along Boroughgate.

"There's also a lot of children walking and it is quite a long way for them to walk, especially when its hot."

Organisations, schools, pubs and businesses can apply any time now to take part in the event.

Next month, the committee will launch its competition amongst schools to design the front cover of the carnival programme and a competition will also be held to choose the carnival queen.

Anyone interested in taking part in the donkey derby (entrants must be between ten and 15 years old) or entering the parade should contact Diana Allen on (01943) 462498.