Shops and businesses in Otley are getting into the carnival spirit by specially decorating their windows.

More than 30 traders are taking part in the 2014 Otley Carnival's Window Dressing Competition, which will be judged this Sunday, June 15.

And the carnival committee is convinced that their contribution will add to the atmosphere of what is shaping up to be one of the biggest carnivals in recent years.

The window displays, like the carnival procession itself, look set to be dominated by Tour de France inspired creations.

Otley Carnival Committee chairman Wendy Corden said: "This year’s carnival will be a big day for many people from the town and surrounding area as it marks the beginning of two weeks of jam packed fun and excitement, with the

Tour de France going through Otley on July 5.

"This year the parade will be led by a contingent of local cyclists and, as well as the hundreds of participants in the parade, there will be many visitors crowding the streets to see the floats, bands and other entries before following

them to the Bridge End showground to join in the many activities there.

"Our main aim, as always, is to ensure that all the children, of all ages, have a really great day.

"The amount of support given each year by local businesses, schools, youth organisations, agencies, politicians and individuals is amazing. Although we try to acknowledge the sponsors and other major supporters in the

programme, it is impossible to list them all.

"All we need now is for the sun to shine."

Made up of an eye-catching mixture of decorated floats and other vehicles, walking tableau, cyclists and bands, the carnival parade will set off from Wharfedale Farmers Auction Mart at 1.15pm on Saturday, June 21.

The procession will be led by Otley Bellman Terry Ford, followed by dignitaries in open cars, and make its way to the showground at Bridge End where a sheepdog display and a visit from Yorkshire Air Ambulance will be among the

attractions.

Proceeds from this year's carnival will go to Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Otley Action for Older People and the Otley Children’s Centre.

*The businesses taking part in the window dressing competition are: 111 Dimensions, A Teale and Son, Academy Florists, Artamis/James Barber, Aura, Beauty Box, Beauty Within, Corner House Kitchen, Courtyard Planters, Eyre

Jewellery, Harriets, Hats and Hearts, Heebies Café, I Vision, North Bar Social, Otley Jewellers, Otley Lions Book Club, Oxfam, Paleys Floor Coverings, Patsy’s Wicca Basket, Petwise, Picture This, Pinecraft, RSPCA, Soft Options

Furnishings, Spec Savers, The Curious Hop, The Traditional Sweet Shop, Tranmere Flowers, Victoria Plum Café, Wharfe Embroidery, Wilkinson’s Butchers.