SILSDEN residents are determined to bring colour and fun to their town this summer despite the Covid-19 restrictions.

Mary Bear Taylor is continuing her fancy dress runs around the town every day with the hope of gaining a Guinness World Record.

Silsden Gala organisers unveiled two months of challenges to bring residents together after the annual event was hit by the lockdown.

And volunteers at the Hive have been asking townspeople what activities they would like to do online rather than at the community centre.

Silsden resident Mary has been running around the town in a different costume each day since the lockdown began and has now surpassed 500 miles, raising more than £1,000.

She has recently been in touch with the Guinness Book of World Records to gain global recognition for her efforts to brighten up the town.

Mary's mother Kathleen Throupe said: "She has run over 500 miles over 70-some days and will keep going to the end. She hopes to do 100 runs or more depending when lockdown ends.

"One hundred days will be the least, as she has been in touch with the Guinness Book Of World Records to see if there is a record about running in fancy dress.

"I am so proud of what she has done in this unsure time. She has been an inspiration to a lot of people, especially to a lot of older people who have not been out.

"She is a happy face running past and waving to give everyone smile and let them know there is still someone out there.

"She passes the school at lunchtime, so the kids that are at school can see.lunch time so the kids that are at school can see her."

Silsden Gala this month named Mary as its Gala Queen after deciding she was a perfect ambassador for the town thanks to her daily runs.

Mary said: "Finally! After all the years of my mum being on Silsden Gala Committee (she's not anymore) and my sister and I always having to be the ‘stand in carnival queen’ I have now officially been asked. 38 years old – it's never too late!"

The gala committee said that because of the coronavirus restrictions it had decided to run the gala differently this year. Every Saturday in June and July it will put a post on Facebook telling people how they can get involved.

The committee said: "Colours of the rainbow will be the theme this year, and everyone in Silsden can be involved by decorating their shop, garden or street for Gala Day. In order

"So get thinking what you could do, talk to your neighbours, family and friends but please remember to follow the guidelines and stay safe."

The Hive, Silsden's community centre on Elliott Street, has had to stop its regular group activities during the lockdown, but has decided to organise online activities.

Residents have been asked to vote on Facebook for their favourite ideas, which include a 'community café' with games and guest speakers, children's art and activity sessions, baby massage advice, and breastfeeding support, and health and well-being activities like yoga, healthy eating and mental health advice.

Townspeople have suggested other ideas for the Hive, such as 'meet-ups' for local groups held online or outside the building.