THOUSAND of people are expected to flock to Otley Show this Saturday - but one vital ingredient could be missing.

Unless someone steps forward at the last minute, the event will go ahead without its traditional Punch and Judy Show.

Bobbo the Clown, Otley's own Alfred Robinson, has been thrilling children and parents at the show for many years with the ever popular Punch and Judy show.

But illness has forced Mr Robinson to pull out at the last minute and now show secretary Janet Raw is searching high and low for another entertainer to fill his shoes.

Mrs Raw said she was hopeful of finding someone to entertain the children even with so little time before Saturday's show.

"What we really need is some kind of children's entertainer," said Mrs Raw.

Anyone willing to don a red nose and perform for the youngsters should get in touch with Mrs Raw on 01943 462541.

l One of the smaller entrants at Otley Show this Saturday may be the smallest of his type in the country.

Miniature Shetland pony stallion Tiny will square up against a Shire horse in the Shire and Shetland competition.

However, owner Carol Perkin, of Yeadon, believes five-year-old Tiny may be the smallest Shetland in the country.

She said: "We saw a television programme which said the smallest in the country was 28 inches, but Tiny is just 26. If he isn't the smallest in the country he's the smallest in this area."

She said Tiny makes up for his lack of height with his personality. "He's such a character. He believes he's human, and comes into the house. He'll eat anything we have." The name of Tiny's Shire partner will be drawn out of the hat on the day of the show. But Tiny will not be daunted by the size of his show partner - his best friend is a Shire crossbreed. Mrs Perkin said Tiny's favourite trick is sheltering underneath bigger horses when it is raining. (20-23-AH)

l See our special Otley show preview on pages 10-12 .

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