A SPECIAL presentation event is to take place after Skipton folk were crowned the most polite bunch in the country by a charity.

The National Campaign for Courtesy named Skipton the Top Town for Courtesy for 2016.

It follows Skipton being named as High Street of the Year in 2009 and last year it was voted in the Sunday Times the best place to live.

The courtesy award follows vetting of the town by the National Campaign for Courtesy and will be presented at an official event attended by officials and patrons of the campaign.

Launched in 1986, the charity is committed to promoting good manners, respect for self and others, courtesy for all and rejection of anti-social behaviour.

Skipton was nominated by Malcolm Weaving, who runs the Rendezvous Hotel at Snaygill, where the award will be presented on Sunday November 27.

The special trophy will be held for 12 months at Skipton Town Hall, a framed certificate will mark the award and 600 businesses will receive a top courtesy town window sticker.

Mr Weaving said putting Skipton up for the award was easy because he had seen how politely both residents and people in the hospitality industry behaved.

"Skipton has such a multitude of attractions alongside the courtesy naturally shown to our visitors by the people and workers of Skipton – it was a no brainer!

"When I put Skipton forward no other town had a chance. Let’s keep it up residents and employees in Skipton as I think we are on a roll," he said.

Robert Zarywacz, the charity's vice chairman, said: “This year Skipton impressed our judges on their visit and now follows in the footsteps of previous titleholders Ilfracombe, Shrewsbury and Epsom.

“While a good quality physical environment is important, most people want to live in a friendly community. Modern lifestyles can create a lot of stress and courtesy helps us all to treat each other with respect. Congratulations to Skipton on a thoroughly deserved win.”

For full details of its aims and activities and to join, please visit campaignforcourtesy.org.uk