Local businesses and visitors to Otley can now enjoy free access to WiFi.

The publicly accessible wireless access to the Internet has been provided thanks to a collaborative project driven by Otley Chamber of Trade.

Coverage is available now in Market Place and parts of Kirkgate and Boroughgate - with scope to expand it to other parts of the town if there's enough demand.

Chamber of Trade vice president Tom Hatley said:: "After months of discussions and liaison with local businesses about its logistics and implementation, the WiFi equipment was installed and live just days before the Tour de France

rode through town.

"We are hoping this new initiative will help attract activity to the town's focal point for both residents and visitors alike.

"As one of the first schemes of its type in the country, assuming it is well used, the service is a legacy that will continue into the future.

"The system is flexible and can be expanded to other areas of town, should there be a demand for it.

"The Chamber is always striving to enhance Otley as a place to live, work and socialise. We are lucky to have a thriving market place and the Otley free WiFi is a service for the 21st Century which blends the old with the new.

"I'm sure regular and new visitors or businesses in the town centre will find this service very useful."

The equipment for the network has been installed at Leeds House Cafe, on Market Place, and Mr Hatley said he was very grateful for their co-operation with the project.

He also thanked the seven other Otley businesses involved - Dowgill House guest house, Cambrig Computers, McKendrick Multimedia, The Dandelion Consultancy, Blue Stripe Design, Print Crew, and Christopher Little & Co "for

giving me the time to project manage the venture".

He added: "This kind of local collaboration just shows the great level of expertise and professionalism we have available in our town."