Independent retailers have declared a town’s first shopping trail as a success.

The Ilkley Business Forum (IBF) backed a three-day scheme in the town to provide a boost for traders and retailers, with more than 20 shops taking part in the project and offering discounts and demonstrations to shoppers.

Last night one of the traders behind the trail said some stores were declaring their best Saturday of trading ever and said plans were already underway for a Christmas scheme.

Although IBF is collecting data from shops in the town centre, Jonathan Batchelor, of Ramus Seafood, hailed the shopping trail a huge success.

“We are gathering feedback from all participating shops, but I know some of us had the busiest Saturday ever, so that has to be a good start,” he said.

“It was great to see whole families enjoying the vintage ice cream van outside Cakewalk Vintage Shop, or the painting demonstration at the Art Shop. Jenny Howarth at Ilkley Complementary Therapies was delighted by the event.

Events taking place at the 24 shops taking part during the event included, a fish barbecue at Ramus, wood turning at Mortens, face-painting at Poppy Red, making bread at the Loafer, origami at Nora’s, pottery painting at Create and nutritional advice at the Green Health Shop, The forum also got good reviews from shoppers.

“I have been to five shops I had hardly noticed before, and I found them just amazing,” said John Howarth from Addingham.

Helen Sweeney, from Ilkley, said: “We are lucky to have such gems on our doorstep.”

The Ilkley Shopping Trail complements the Ilkley Summer Showcase, also organised by the IBF, which will take place in the King’s Hall, Ilkley on Saturday, June 16.