Thousands flock to the Otley Vintage Transport Extravaganza

Despite the overcast weather and the threat of heavy thunder showers, a crowd of over 5000 people attended the event with over 500 vehicles being present and a full arena programme and other attractions and stalls throughout the field.

Many thousands of pounds was raised by local groups who praised the work of the committee in putting on such a wonderful show.

The success was despite a change of location which had to be made with less than a fortnight to go before the event. This was due to the unsafe state of the field owing to the presence of several cows, and the health and safety officials decided to seek another field.

Also the thoughts of organisers on that day were very much with Mr Colin Pitt, who had originally suggested the idea in 1996 of staging the Otley Vintage Transport Extravaganza and was the main sponsor over the years. His health was deteriorating, and in the build up to the rally he was admitted into hospital where on the Thursday following the transport rally he unfortunately passed away.

Organiser Nigel Francis said: “What started out as a simple remark, 'why don’t you do a transport show' from Colin Pitt, became the inspiration for the OVTE. The event has raised tens of thousands of pounds over the last 25 years and from nothing we have made it one of Otley’s great events. Let me make it very clear that we have received virtually nothing from the Town Council or the BID, yet we have succeeded in raising enough equipment to be totally self sufficient and have run the show for all these years.

"As Colin Pitt’s son-in-law, the last couple of weeks have been hard for everyone, especially Diane, my wife and Callum our son. Colin restored many fine vehicles, many of which have been seen at the OVTE. He showed the vehicles around rallies up and down the country."