A campaign to boost festive shopping in Otley is to receive financial backing again this year from the Town Council.

Otley Chamber of Trade’s Light Up Otley campaign, which involves installing mini illuminated Christmas trees above town centre premises, was supported by well over 100 shops and businesses last year.

The scheme, along with the launch of Otley’s first-ever Christmas Tree Festival, was part of a multi-pronged strategy by the chamber to help local businesses at the end of 2011 and start of 2012.

The town council’s events management committee agreed on Monday to support this year’s Light Up campaign to the tune of £1,000, which will pay for more tree brackets to be fitted to more buildings.

Town council leader Councillor John Eveleigh (Lab, Ashfield) said: “This will hopefully ensure an even bigger and better display in 2012.”