GREEN Party supporters in Otley and Yeadon have been celebrating the party’s national surge in popularity.

The party now has more members than both the Liberal Democrats and Ukip – with the combined total for England, Wales and Scotland standing at more than 53,000.

The Otley and Yeadon Green Party says it has been experiencing a rise in interest and support locally, too, and as a result will be holding an open evening in Otley on Wednesday, February 4.

The 7.30pm to 9pm event, at the Horse & Farrier pub on Bridge Street, will be a chance for the public and new members to find out more about policies.

Green Parliamentary candidate for Leeds North West, Tim Goodall, and the party’s Leeds City Council candidate for the Otley & Yeadon ward, Owen Brear, will also be present to talk to visitors.

Mr Brear said: “This is an exciting time and will allow us to get our positive message across.

“The Green Party may have been denied a place at the election leaders’ TV debate but now it has more members than the Lib Dems and Ukip.”

Mr Goodall added: “Our anti-austerity message means making sure the greatest burden is not on poorer members of society while bankers are still getting paid big bonuses and large companies are avoiding paying tax.

“We will be taking our message to the public at the next Otley Farmers Market on Sunday, February 22.”