Up to 15,000 people are expected in Skipton on Sunday to welcome the Olympic Torch Relay.

Police, who will be adopting a low-key approach, believe good weather will mean a huge turnout to the event – hailed as a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Crowd numbers may exceed the town’s most popular event, the Yuletide Festival, which can attract up to 12,000 visitors.

In Skipton, the torch will arrive just before 4pm and will be carried by a succession of bearers along Keighley Road, High Street and Otley Road.

But it is on the High Street, where it will travel both ways, the only place in the country where spectators will be given two chances to see it, where organisers expect the majority of people to gather.

Craven District Council, which is organising the event, in partnership with Skipton Town Council, has planned a festival of culture and sport around the relay and laid on park-and-ride at the auction mart to cope with the huge numbers.

Leader of Craven District Council Councillor Chris Knowles-Fitton will get a bird’s eye view of the spectacle from the balcony at Skipton Town Hall. “So far, the number of spectators have been huge everywhere and far exceeded all expectations. I am certain expectations will also be exceeded in Skipton,” he said.

Coun Knowles-Fitton, who said he had been moved to tears by watching the relay on the television, said there was a great sense of pride around the event which he said was the result of partnership working.

“Like the Jubilee celebrations, its another way where communities can get together. I am sure we will do it justice in Skipton,” he said.

He also praised Welcome to Yorkshire, which he said had secured a seven day visit to the county by the relay - matched only by the Capital.

Skipton Mayor, Coun Wendy Clark, added: “It’s not often that anyone can say they have witnessed a genuine once-in-a-lifetime event.

“The Olympic Torch passing through Skipton is certainly something none of us will see again and for that reason alone, I hope as many people as possible will come along to witness the relay.”

Coun Clark added it was a wonderful opportunity for Skipton to shine nationally.

“We should welcome these opportunities with open arms. I will be on the High Street for both the festival and the torch relay itself, but there are plenty of opportunities across the whole route to see the torch go by, It will be a great day for Skipton.”