OTLEY students have been trying their hand at everything from dry stone walling to serving meals.

Year 10 pupils from Prince Henry’s Grammar School spent their 2018 Timanyane (Global Citizenship) day by carrying out all kinds of tasks for local community groups, churches and schools.

Some used wheelchairs or donned dark glasses to experience the difficulties people with disabilities experience while trying to access parts of the town centre.

Other jobs on the day included working wih Chevin Park Rangers on ditch digging, pruning, and step repairs; creating planters for Otley in Bloom; and helping the Food and Friends Club at The Bridge Church.

Students also assisted at three primary schools (Ashfield, The Whartons and St Joseph’s), worked on an environmental survey and assisted at Otley Courthouse.

The disabled access study was carried out in collaboration with Otley BID.

BID Chair Steph Lee said: “Otley BID was delighted to work with pupils and staff from Prince Henry’s on the disabled access study done in the town.

“It is a truly thought-provoking exercise for abled bodied young people to experience what it is like to live with disability.

“It is an experience that will no doubt lead to many discussions in the coming weeks - and hopefully a few changes around Otley.”

International Co-ordinator at Prince Henry’s Georgina Anson, who organised the day, added: “Our links with the community are very important to us and we always try to impress on our students that global citizenship begins at home.

“Many of our students already volunteer locally and this day really helps us develop their sense of citizenship.

“Our students enjoy the opportunity to learn more about the place in which they live and the people they share it with, as well as building their skills and confidence whilst trying something new.

“We are very pleased that this initiative is growing each year.”

Other groups, businesses and individuals involved on the day included Courtyard Planters, Otley Rotary Club, the Otley and Yorkshire Dales Branch of the Dry Stone Walling Association, and Town Councillor Mick Bradley (Green, Danefield).