People in Otley are being urged to pull out all the stops to put the Victorian Fayre back where it belongs after last year's setback.

The event, which takes place on Friday and Saturday, is being spread over two days for the first time in its history.

The ambitious extension comes just a year after the traditional extravaganza had to be cancelled because of the firefighters dispute.

And the after effects from that cancellation are still being felt this time, with a fall in the usual number of stalls as some traders from outside the area are unsure whether the event will be going ahead at all.

But after last year's problems organisers are keen to stress that it is business as usual for one of Otley's best loved events.

Town Mayor Nigel Francis said the cancellation had created difficulties this year, especially as many committee members were coming to the job for the first time.

"This year there is a bit of trial and error involved - but everyone has done their best and I think people have got to appreciate that.

"Because we had to cancel the event last year, this year's was really like starting again."

He said some traders from outside the immediate area were under the impression that the event might not be on again this Christmas.

"Because of last year and people not knowing it is on we have not got as many as we would like," he said.

But even despite the fall in numbers organisers as still expecting around 70 stalls.

Like many other highlights in the community calendar the fayre is also being hit by the escalating costs involved in staging such events.

Coun Francis said costs this year would be around £5,000 - and he said the chosen charity, Lineham Farm, had been told it would have to raise its own money on the day.

"Normally in the past we have given two or three thousand pounds on the day - and it has almost bankrupt us," he said.

He said the cost of public liability assurance had soared in recent years - in the wake of September 11, and of a big payout after an accident at an event in York.

But despite the increased difficulties, he is hoping this year's fayre will be a big success.

The event normally attracts thousands of visitors - and organisers are hoping last year's blip will not affect that.

Coun Francis said: "We would hope that the Friday will be as popular as usual. As long as everybody has a good time that is the main thing.

"We want people to come and enjoy themselves."

And there will certainly be plenty to enjoy - with a wide variety of entertainments on offer.

The town centre will reverberate to the sound of singing from a whole host of children's and adult choirs.

Visitors will also be treated to the sound of bands - including the Otley Brass Band and the Bangon Drummers - as well as dance displays from Clogaires, the Briggate Morris Men and the Children's Folk Dancers.

A suitcase circus, a magician and a French onion seller will all add to the fun of the occasion.

A vast range of stalls and children's rides will also help to give the fayre its usual appeal to all ages.

For the first time ever, the event will run into Saturday - with a display of vintage vehicles, as well as entertainment, a fairground organ, stalls and rides.

And last year's Spirit of Christmas Day will be incorporated into the Saturday - with a special award for the shop which is deemed to have done most to enter into the festive spirit.

Committee member Barbara Denkinson, who has responsibility for the entertainment, said: "There is hopefully going to be lots going on - to make up for the lack of it last year.

"We are hoping everyone will dress as Victorians and we are expecting that there will be a really good atmosphere."