A COMMUNAL picnic rounded off a 'real community weekend' in Otley.

Organised by Otley Welcomes, the Otley Great Get Together saw residents gathering in the Market Square to share food and company on Sunday, June 17.

The picnic was part of a national annual campaign - more events will be held this weekend - that was started to celebrate the vision of murdered MP Jo Cox.

MP Alex Sobel (Lab, Leeds North West) was among those who took part.

He said: "The Great Get Together truly captures the spirit of Jo Cox’s politics and view for our country.

"Jo saw a better future for us all and strove towards unity through community cohesion.

"On Sunday Otley Welcomes arranged an amazing event as part of a nationwide commemoration of Jo Cox’s death, and as a celebration of her campaigns.

"It is important that through all of our debates in politics we remember to treat each other with respect and remain united."

The day before Mr Sobel had also attended Otley Carnival, where he visited the Otley Welcomes stall.

He added: "Otley Carnival was such a great event to be part of - the whole of Otley came out to see the show and the atmosphere was amazing.

"From the dancers and drummers to the primary schools’ recycling and safari themes, you could see everyone had put in their biggest effort towards making the event a success."

Otley Town Council Chair Councillor Ray Georgeson (Lib Dem, Danefield) said: "It's has been a real Otley community weekend.

"Thanks to the Otley Welcomes team that followed Saturday's carnival with the Great Get Together picnic on Sunday, in the same spirit of togetherness.

"Jo Cox will live long in our memories, that's for sure."