A WHARFEDALE group committed to helping schoolchildren stay safe has folded after more than five decades.

Otley and District Road Safety Committee was formed in the 1960s and has run an annual Junior Schools Road Safety Quiz since 2000.

Treasurer Hazel Lee, however, announced this week that it was ending due to dwindling numbers and a fall-off in interest from the schools.

She said: "The Otley and District Road Safety Committee has now disbanded after many successful years that have included holding the area's annual Junior Schools Road Safety Quiz.

"The quiz was started in 2000 and many pupils have gained knowledge by taking part.

"There are 18 schools in the North West Leeds area and they have each received a final cheque from the committee, who suggested they spend the amount on road safety issues.

"The hard working committee have, working with local councils and highways engineers, several achievements to their credit.

"Those include instigating the pedestrian crossings on Gay Lane, Bondgate, Kirkgate, Pool Road, Burras Lane, and Farnley Lane in Otley and the traffic lights at Carlton crossroads.

"We thank our sponsors who, over the years, have helped us hold the quiz - without them it would not have been possible.

"And we remember with great affection Mrs Audrey Cartwright* - or 'Mrs Tufty Club' as she was known to many - and know that the children who hold the awards in her name will remember her.

"The present committee thanks everyone for their support at the end of an era."

The committee's sponsors included the North West Area Management Committee, Otley Town Council, Otley Town Partnership, Waitrose, Sainsbury's, Modelsport, Sinclairs and the local police.

Otley Town Council Chair Councillor Ray Georgeson (Lib Dem, Danefield) said: "This is sad news indeed but a huge vote of thanks must go to Hazel and all the volunteers who have kept up this valuable initiative for many years.

"If the news that they are about to disband encourages anyone to come forward and keep it going then I am sure we would do our best to assist."

Fellow town Councillor Nigel Francis (Ind, Danefield), who was a committee member for years, added: "It is a shame it has finished as it did a lot of good in bringing road safety to the younger generation.

"There is not the commitment with people today like there used to be and every organisation is struggling to run committees and stage events.

"It is the same with the road safety committee - people say it does a good job but ask them to come along and suddenly they have so much to do.

"The schools also found it hard to raise enough people to come along to the quizzes.

"I urge everyone to think about the future. If you can do anything for any of the Otley events please feel free to contact me (e-mail nigelfrancis@btinternet.com) and I will pass on your details."

*Mrs Cartwright, who was the committee's secretary and an Honorary Citizen of Otley, died in 2010. She had been involved in road safety education for more than 50 years.