After the “resounding success” of this year’s Ilkley Art Trail, organisers are busy planning next year’s event.

The plans for the third trail are already in motion after organisers felt encouraged by the response this year’s event, held in October, received.

More than 40 talented artists showcased their works to about 4,000 art-lovers who attended the trail this year, which is an increase of 1,000 on the first event.

The art sales generated about £20,000 for local and regional artists, which is a dramatic increase from last year’s figure of £12,200.

One of the trail’s producers, Lorna Bird, said: “Organisers are over the moon and totally encouraged by the event.

“It was complete unknown territory, whether building on the success of the first-ever trail in 2011 might create something that Ilkley embraced enough to make an annual event of.”

Visitors enjoyed the pleasant weather as they visited some of the 28 venues around Ilkley, Addingham, Nessfield and Burley Woodhead.

Some drove around the trail, others walked and cycled, and some visitors cam from as far as Bristol and Devon to attend the cultural event.

Individual success stories include acclaimed painter of heather moorland Judith Levin, adorning all sides of a Yorkshire Tea tin with one of her landscapes to promote the Trail.

Her works attracted attention from across the Atlantic as did her paper-cut cultural map of Ilkley featuring sites of special artistic interest.

The original map is now featured at The Manor House Gallery and Museum, in Ilkley. Limited edition prints are available to buy by contacting the organisers.

In preparation for the October 2013 event, Ilkley Art Trail are looking for trail-makers to volunteer some time and make it happen, and for more local businesses to sponsor the event.

The organisers would like to thank their current sponsors and Ilkley residents for embracing the trail and making it a success.

Visit ilkleyarttrail.org.uk or contact 07789 681862 for further information.