OTLEY is all set to enjoy another bumper Carnival - with flamboyant Tour de France inspired decorations expected to figure prominently in the parade.

Preparations for the Saturday, June 21 event continued last Sunday when the retiring Carnival Queen, the Queen elect, and their retinues dressed up and visited residents at Teal Beck and Spring Gardens care homes.

Earlier on Sunday a team of independent judges inspected the entries in this year's Window Dressing Competition - and awarded the overall prize to Artamis Gifts / James Barber Tobacconists on Westgate, for a display fully geared towards Le Grand Depart on Saturday, July 5.

This year's parade, featuring cyclists as well as the usual collection of floats, walking tableau, bands and vehicles, will set off from Wharfedale Farmers Auction Mart at 1.15pm on Saturday and wind its way down to Bridge End.

This year Otley Carnival is hoping to welcome a lifesaving Yorkshire Air Ambulance crew this year.

The carnival committee has arranged for an Air Ambulance helicopter, barring emergency call-outs on the day, to land beside the carnival show field.

The crew will then talk to the public about their work and the equipment they use to carry out rescue operations.

Other attractions now confirmed for the day will include a display by Elaine Shepherd’s sheepdogs, as they try to control ducks and geese, and a karate exhibition by local group Zetsurin.

Further family-focused entertainment will include donkey rides, Sumo wrestling, a bungee run and an assault course - along with the usual children's fairground rides and giant inflatables.

And fruit skewers with a chocolate fountain will be among the more unusual food offerings on the day, alongside the traditional burger, candyfloss, donuts and ice cream vans and some Caribbean and German cuisine.

Carnival committee chairman Ann Steval said: "We would like to remind people that entry to the carnival field at Bridge End is absolutely free.

"All we ask is that, having enjoyed everything on offer, you throw any small change you have left into the collecting bath at the exit."

Proceeds from this year's carnival will go to Otley Action for Older People, Otley Children’s Centre and Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

*The other window dressing competition winners were: Large window - 1st, Tranmere Flowers; 2nd, Heebies; 3rd, I Vision; Highly Commended, Oxfam. Medium window - 1st, Wharfedale Embroidery; 2nd, Aura; 3rd, Picture This;

Highly Commended, Harriets. Small window - 1st, Patsy’s Wicca Basket; 2nd, Paley’s; 3rd, Victoria Plum Tea Rooms; Highly Commended, Corner House Kitchen.