OTLEY is about to get its very own poet in what organisers believe is a first for an English market town.

The move is part of Courthouse Words, a new week-long literary festival that will begin on February 28.

Otley BID (Business Improvement District) is supporting the festival's creation of a Town Poet, whose job will be "to promote Otley locally, regionally and nationally as a town where words and culture are welcomed and valued".

The organisers believe the move, which will see the selected poet take up the post for a year and receive £500, will raise the profile of the town's already thriving poetic community.

Sally Hinchliffe, from Otley BID, said: "We are thrilled to be part of this brand new initiative.

"Promoting and developing Otley’s literary talents is a great way of demonstrating the depth of artistic talent in this town, and is instrumental in raising the profile of Otley as a whole.

"We at Otley BID are really looking forward to being involved in the judging process and announcing the first Town Poet in just a few weeks’ time."

Otley has three regular poetry groups, a number of published poets and, in Otley Wordfeast Press, its own not-for-profit publishing company.

And all of the prizes at the Ilkley Literature Festival Open Mic competition in 2015 went to Otley poetry group members.

The Town Poet, who will be nominated by the public, will – similar to the Town Bellman – carry out an agreed quota of public activities within Otley and further afield during their 12-month tenure.

Otley Town Council chairman, Councillor Ray Georgeson (Lib Dem, Danefield), said: "The town council is pleased to support the Courthouse in the appointment of the first Town Poet, and I am delighted to have been asked to join the judging panel, which I consider to be an honour, if slightly daunting!

"I’m sure with all the talent that abounds in Otley, we will be spoiled for choice."

Anyone over 18 can nominate themselves or others for the position, provided they live or work within a five-mile radius of Otley.

Nominations should be sent by e-mail to admin@otleytowncouncil.gov.uk with the words OTLEY TOWN POET NOMINATION in the subject box.

The deadline is midday on Monday, with the name of Otley's first Town Poet due to be announced at 7.15pm on February 28, at the Courthouse Words exhibition launch.

Visit otleycourthouse.org.uk/courthouse-words, e-mail courthousewords@gmail.com or call 01943 467466 for more details.