Otley'S new town clerk has set himself - and two colleagues - a challenge to take part in a gruelling triathlon.

Clerk Iain Plumtree, new centre manager Martin Foy and community development officer Julia Johnson are in training to cycle, run and swim in a relay triathlon.

And even though it will be a first for all three, they are giving it their best shot and hoping to raise hundreds of pounds for the town's young people's project, Space to Grow.

Mr Plumtree, who became the new clerk at the beginning of April, said the aim was also to raise the profile of the town council staff.

"We wanted to raise the profile of the officers within the town council and wanted to do something good at the same time. We're fairly unknown in the town and I would like that to change.

"We're happy to do this for Space to Grow and if it gets us fit and healthy and allows us to eat chocolate bars afterwards, then all well and good," said Mr Plumtree.

The team will be entering an official British Triathlon Association contest and are currently scouting around for a contest not too far away to take part in before the end of the summer.

Mr Plumtree will carry out the 40km cycle race, Mrs Johnson the 1.5km swim and Mr Foy the final 10km race.

Mr Plumtree, who does not own a car, cycles everywhere, but has been putting in a few extra miles to get him into training for the 40km cycle stage.

"I don't own a car and bike everywhere, but it's a little bit different from doing 40km.

"We are all trying to raise our general level of fitness and some of us more than others are having to lose some weight," he said.

Meanwhile, new centre manager Martin Foy found himself with the unusual challenge almost immediately after arriving in Otley.

"I came in a couple of weeks before I started and they asked me if I'd take part, I daredn't say no," he said.

A keen rugby player, Mr Foy, 37, is planning to introduce a bit of road running to his usual fitness regime of playing and coaching rugby.

"I'm more of a rugby player, but I do a bit of running so I should be okay," he said.

The efforts of the council staff have gone down well with the town councillors - although an appeal for them to put forward a team fell on deaf ears.

Mr Plumtree said: "It went down very well with the councillors, apart from when I suggested they put in their own team. I think they did like the idea and thought it was something different."

The team will be asking companies in the town to sponsor it and hope individuals will also lend their support.

"We're not going in to win, it will be more a case of getting to the end alive, raising some money and having a bit of fun," added Mr Plumtree.

Julia Johnson, Otley community development officer, said: "I'm a keen swimmer, but I've never done anything like this before. I just swim to keep fit."

Mrs Johnson, who swims at Cannon's gym in Guiseley, said she was keen to raise money for Space to Grow and also to give some publicity to the council staff.

Meanwhile, she will be building up her strength as it gets closer to the contest.

"I shall be building up to a mile, but I have put my foot down and said it must be in a pool," she added.

"I'm not going to do it in open water."

l Anyone who would like to sponsor the team should contact Iain Plumtree at Otley Civic Centre, Cross Green, Otley.