THE Wharfedale District Scout and Explorer Scout Sam Ives Torch Race took place on Friday, May 10.
Two teams of Explorers from Ilkley and Otley Bridge plus seven Scout teams from 1st Ben Rhydding, Otley Bridge, Otley Methodist, 2nd Otley, Otley Parish, and Menston assembled at the bottom of Station Road in Otley at 7.30pm.
The race ran directly up to the top of the Chevin and the winner was the first to touch the flagstaff at Surprise View.
The presentation of the trophy took place at the finish at approximately 8pm after all the judges were satisfied all rules had been adhered to.
The Assistant District Commissioner for Scouts Naomi McMorn and District Commissioner Tim Haskins presented the trophies.
The winners of the Scouts competition were Otley Parish and Ilkley Explorers won the Explorer trophy. Otley Methodists were the smartest troop judged before the race takes place. The smartest Explorer unit was Ilkley Explorers.
The Torch Race was first held in 1935 as part of the celebrations of the Silver Jubilee of King George V and Queen Mary. The torch was made by the late Sam Ives. It was carried on that occasion by the Scouts of Otley from the Jubilee Clock to the summit of the Chevin.
Local Scouts have arranged to hold a relay from the town centre to a flagpole placed on the site of the original beacon ever since.
A spokesperson said: "Wharfedale Lion Hearts SAS Service team organise the race and the District are grateful to these long serving members.
"The key organiser Iain Paterson from Otley Bridge and The Lion Hearts service team was very recently awarded the second highest award in Scouting at the recent St George's Day honours at Windsor Castle and we thank him for his tremendous dedication over 50 plus years especially in Otley and surrounding areas.
"The original torch is badly in need of repair and TV's The Repair Shop offered to look at it but sadly Covid hit, and the opportunity was lost for the time being. Local Scouter Dougie Lawson has now offered to try and repair it."
For more information on Scouting in Wharfedale and volunteering opportunities for adults contact PR@@wharfedalescouts.org.uk or message on the scout's Facebook page.
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