CHRISTMAS has officially arrived in Otley - more than two months early.

A Christmas tree went up yesterday in Market Place - although it will be several weeks before it is decorated and lit.

And bearing in mind it was February before last year's tree was taken down - it is set to become a familiar feature.

The tree has come from the Kielder Forest.

Meanwhile, Otley traders have come under fire for failing to get into the festive spirit.

Councillor Nigel Francis, head of Otley Town Council's Christmas Lights Working Party, accused the majority of Kirkgate traders of failing to respond to a simple request from the council.

"We've had very little cooperation from two thirds of the shops in Kirkgate.

"All we've asked them is for permission to put up brackets outside their premises to put Christmas trees on, but they haven't even bothered to answer.

"Short of going into the shops and demanding an answer, there's not much we can do," said Coun Francis.

The council had hoped to improve the town's Christmas displays this year with a line of lights along the whole of Kirkgate but it needs the permission of property owners to put up wall brackets.

Also planned is to extend displays along Westgate to Safeway Supermarket and along Bridge Street.

Cost of the lights - set to be turned on on November 27 and expected to cost more than £10,000 - will be paid for by a £5,000 grant from the city council with the rest made up by the town council and other donations.

Otley Lions have donated £600 and a town appeal and fundraising stalls raised £200. Coun Francis said: "We are very grateful to the Lions for their donation and the £200 is not a lot, but it all helps."