THE BEAUTY of the wildlife, fields, hedgerows and trees of Otley’s threatened Irish fields has been captured forever by local people who took part in a photograph and art competition.

Images and artworks of the area currently in danger from a huge development were entered into a competition organised by community groups, Otley 2030 and East of Otley Action Group.

Entrants were encouraged to capture the beauty of the Irish Fields, Ings Tip and the surrounding greenspace and wildlife. Both children and adults were invited to participate. The photographic entries were judged by photographer Steve Davey, while designer Kate Broughton judged the artworks.

“We held the competition during the spring and challenged the local community to express what they love about the area around the East of Otley,” said Andrew Howarth, Otley 2030 coordinator. The Irish fields are so important to the people of Otley and a source of inspiration – proven in the fantastic results.”

The winning entries in each category will have their entries framed by The Art Works, Otley and will be displayed in a special exhibition there.

Ian Hobson, whose painting Winter Ramblers won the adult category of the art competition has donated the framed painting to the East of Otley Action Group, who will be raffling it off to raise money for their fundraiser. Follow their Facebook page @eastotleyaction to find out more.

Anyone who missed the competition but who wants to support East of Otley Action Group’s campaign, can sign their petition to Leeds City Council at change.org, here : http://chng.it/Ygf9kQMQzY. Campaigners are also raising money for further expert advice and legal advice at: https://gofund.me/7ec59583

Community groups in Otley reacted strongly last month to a hybrid planning application for the development to the East of Otley, which includes 700 houses and a major new link road. The East of Otley Action Group and Wildlife Friendly Otley,say the plan by the Otley East Consortium involving Persimmon and Leeds City Council has totally ignored most of the submissions made by the groups and thousands of residents to a preliminary consultation.

Photograph competition winners: Adult category

(Winner: Barn owl / 2nd tree view)

1st: Morgan Caygill

2nd: Helen Boardman

(Winner – snow scene / 2nd rabbit embroidery)

Art competition winners: Adult

1st: Ian Hobson – ‘Winter Ramblers’

2nd: Elizabeth StClair embroidery)

(Winner – birds in tree / 2nd horses)

Art competition winners: Under 10s

1st: Evelyn Bussey – ‘When Nobody’s Watching’

2nd: Maeve Colman – ‘Horses around an apple tree in blossom’