Otley’s town mayor is calling for ceremonial garments to be provided for future holders of the position.

Ray Smith, who is set to be succeeded by fellow town council candidate Nigel Francis as mayor in May, believes Otley is unusual in currently having no mayoral robes. Instead, the holder of the position simply wears a chain of office.

Mr Smith is calling on businesses in the town to help sponsor the new robes, but is also willing to organise his own fundraising events if necessary.

He said: “I have made many visits to other towns and cities and have observed that the vast majority of mayors do, in fact, wear robes.

“I feel that this enhances the position and reflects the honour bestowed upon the mayor by his or her town.

“I find it strange that in Otley, where the town bellman is enrobed, the town mayor is not. I would like one of my last acts as mayor to be that of seeking sponsorship for the provision of appropriate garments.

“By my calculations, £1,000 should do it. If ten local businesses could see their way to becoming sponsors then this could easily be achieved.

“If not, then I will have to resort to collecting ‘bits and pieces’ from coffee mornings, stalls under the Buttercross, and so on.

“One way or another I will do it as I love this town and know that tourists and visitors, as well as Otley residents, love our great British traditions.”

Anyone interested in sponsoring robes for future town mayors should contact Mr Smith on 01943 461485 or Geraldine Crosby on 01943 466335.