A tree from Farnley Hall will be used to make Otley's new

maypole.

Estate owner Major Nicholas Horton-Fawkes has offered a tree from the estate to make the maypole destined for Cross Green.

Now, the town's two Morris sides behind the scheme are looking for businesses, schools and other organisations to sponsor planters to be included in the scheme.

Otley Wayzgoose and the Buttercross Belles plan to make Manchester Square a focal point for Maypole dancing - not only on May Day but during other town events.

Louise Wilson, from the Buttercross Belles, said: "We are going to choose a larch or a spruce. It will have to lie for a time but we are hoping the maypole will be ready for next May," she said.

She said the offer had come after advice had been sought from the last person to make the pole in Manchester Square. He had turned out to be a forestry worker at Farnley.

"It is really nice because it means the maypole will be made from a local tree, " she added.

Now the two sides are looking for suggestions for a decorative cast-iron top to the pole.

"The head is made out of cast iron and it would be nice to have something to do with Otley. If anyone has any ideas we'd like to hear them," said Mrs Wilson.

The sides will shortly be submitting an application for funds to the Local Heritage Initiative Fund - a scheme that supports local historical projects. Anyone wanting to support the project can contact Les Cross, Otley Town Council clerk, Otley Civic Centre, Cross Green, Otley.