Market town creates new honourary ambassadors

Local dignitaries and big names in the world of arts, science and sport have become the first to be named Honourary Otley Abmassadors. Image: @AllAboutTheStory

The new title has been bestowed on 16 people who are either from Otley or share a strong bond with the market town.

Among those given the role are world championship cyclist Lizzie Deignan, Olympic swimmer Georgia Coates and Para swimmer Danielle Bailey, Greg Mulholland MP and BBC One Show scientist Dr Marty Jopson.

Otley Town Council launched the new honours as part of a project to promote the town and boost tourism.

The ambassadors will now act as the “eyes and ears” of the town in the wider world to help promote Otley to people they meet at home and abroad.

Others who have accepted the role are Chair of Otley council Ray Georgeson, leader of Leeds City Council Judith Blake, Rob Woosnam-Savage, curator of the Royal Armouries, Jen Birch of the Otley Ukulele Orchestra, town poet Matthew Hedley Stoppard, Malcolm Hills of Morris dancing troupe Wharfedale Wayzgoose, Bellman Terry Ford, Blue Badge guide Dudley Parker and CP Teens Ambassador Chloe Tear as well as local business people Paul Howard and Sally Hinchcliffe.

Coun Paul Carter, chairman of the council’s trade and tourism committee, said: “We are delighted to announced the launch of our Honorary Ambassador Programme with such a high-profile and varied group of people.

“While they may all come from different backgrounds or sectors, they share one thing in common - a burning passion for Otley to succeed and a recognition of its future potential.”