OTLEY residents will be raising hand signs this weekend to show the town is a welcoming place.

The event, dubbed Hands Up Everyone Welcome in Otley, has been organised as a response to the rise in racist and xenophobic incidents following the EU referendum.

Anyone who lives in, works in or visits Otley is being urged to join in the activities at the Buttercross, from 10am to 2pm on Saturday.

Participants will be encouraged to make a print or draw around their hand and then sign their name so the resulting artwork can be added to a 'visual petition'.

A spokesman for the group of residents behind the event said: "We are taking positive action to give people in Otley and the surrounding area the chance to come together and 'put their hand up' to say everyone is welcome here.

"This is designed to show solidarity towards EU and non-EU citizens, who have been feeling ill at ease and uncomfortable since the referendum.

"Hands Up Everyone Welcome in Otley is supported by a Facebook group with more than 250 members, as well as Greg Mulholland MP, councillors Downes, Campbell and Lay, and Otley Town Council."

Cllr Ryk Downes (Lib Dem, Otley and Yeadon) said “I support this initiative.

"Recent events nationally, with an increase in hate crime, are a worrying development as I firmly believe there is no place for racism or xenophobia."

Resident, Celine Anderson, said: “As a French person, I have been feeling a little ill at ease since the referendum.

"Just the other day I met a lady at Costa who could hear me speaking French to my daughter and asked where I was from.

"Before the referendum I would not have thought anything of it, but on that day I thought 'Um, why do you ask?'.

"Of course, she was a lovely lady who had lived in France for 20 years and was happy to speak to a French person.

"I think this initiative is great, as it will certainly reassure people who are in my position."

Anyone who can't make it along is being invited to still make a print or drawing and display it in a window.

Mr Mulholland (Lib Dem, Leeds North West) has already made his.

He said: “I am very pleased to support this community initiative.

"Like many people, I have been hugely concerned about the reports of racism and hate crime nationally, and it is very encouraging that residents are taking the initiative to stand up to these problems.

"Since the referendum result, I have written to EU citizens in Leeds North West to offer my support in a very uncertain and difficult time for many people."