Town's sheep event aims to bring the crowds flocking

Visitors will be able to follow a trail around the town's main landmarks and hidden gems, as an outdoor arts project takes to the streets.

There will be 25 sheep dotted around the market town for the Flock to Skipton event. They have been painted by various artists in a number of designs and will be displayed at locations across the town. The name Skipton is derived from the medieval Sheep Town.

The sheep sculptures, sponsored by local businesses, include a Bet Lynch Coronation Sheep, a John Lennon All Ewe Need is Love sheep and a skeletal Baa-Bones sheep painted by actress and artist Jayne Bickerton-Tunnicliffe, a former Coronation Street actress.

The project officially launches on Saturday and will run until November 14.

Town centre manager Brett Butler said: "We are really excited about the launch of this event.

"The sculptures are set to form a high profile free attraction aimed at keeping visitors coming to the town between the main summer tourist season and Christmas."

Made from fibreglass, the individually designed sheep are 5ft long and when on the concrete plinth stand nearly 5ft tall. will be placed in outdoor locations around the town, although some will be located indoors, such as in a shop window.

The Flock to Skipton event has been supported by the Skipton Business Improvement District.