OTLEY Lions Club is appealing for new members and volunteers to help in its work.

For more 40 years the club has supported local, national and international causes by raising money within the community.

A spokesman said: "During this time members have taken part in the town’s carnival and show, organised brass band concerts, hosted a charity auction and helped Santa on his visits to the town.

"Despite the pandemic the club continued to offer support over the last 12 months, giving over £13,000 to local causes and individuals such as Otley Food Bank, Otley Defibrillators, a local scout group and Team GB Youth archer, Beth Rhodes, to name just a few.

"The club is pleased to announce that with the help of Stephen H Smiths, Otley, they will be helping welcome Santa back to his grotto again this year.

"For many years Otley Lions Club has enjoyed healthy membership numbers which allowed them to take part in local events, operate their well-known bookshop on Mercury Row and organise trips for local groups including annually taking a group of teenagers and young adults with additional needs, to attend a pantomime. "Due to various reasons the club has found itself suffering a decline in membership, needing new members and volunteers to allow them to continue to raise vital funds. "To help keep a Lions Club in Otley, please consider volunteering in the bookshop for a few hours a month or even become a member of this local charitable organisation, where fundraising and friendship go hand in hand."

Anyone interested in becoming a member of Otley Lions Club should contact club president Richard Phillips or membership chair Gareth Dibble via email otleylionsclub@outlook.com, via social media or on 07951254927.

On its website the club, which was chartered in1980, says: "Otley Lions Club is a charitable organization devoted to making the world a better place through various initiatives designed to help those in need. Together, we can make a difference in the world for generations to come. "

It adds: "With the dedication of our volunteers, members, and their partners, we strive to improve the lives of everyone who needs help within the community.