FORMER mayors of Skipton joined current mayor Cllr Martin Emmerson to receive an award which shows its the top town in Britain when it comes to courtesy.

John Stokes of the National Campaign for Courtesy presented a trophy to Cllr Emmerson at the Rendezvous Hotel after the organisation chose the townsfolk of Skipton as the most courteous in the country.

Skipton was chosen after being vetted by officials from the campaign, who were impressed by the levels of politeness demonstrated by residents and shop staff.

The event was attended by Skipton residents and business owners as well as the campaign's celebrity patron, health and fitness expert, 'Green Goddess' Diana Moran, who hosted the popular exercise segment of BBC1's Breakfast Time programme in the 1980s.

Mr Stokes said: "It gives me great pleasure on behalf of the National Campaign for Courtesy to present the Salop Leisure trophy to the people of Skipton as we name it Top Town for Courtesy in Great Britain in recognition of its commitment to promoting courtesy throughout the local community."

Skipton was nominated for the award by Rendezvous Hotel owner Malcolm Weaving, who said: “Guests often tell me what a pleasure it is to visit Skipton. They are amazed by the ‘real Yorkshire welcome’ they receive from locals.

“I am always impressed by the general level of courtesy in the town and it was really good to hear that the judges who visited experienced it too. All Skipton businesses can get a ‘Courtesy Top Town’ window sticker, which can be collected at the tourist information centre in the town hall, to show they are part of the town’s success.”

The National Campaign for Courtesy was launched in 1986 as a registered charity "committed to good manners; respect for self and others; courtesy for all; and rejection of anti-social behaviour."