OTLEY’S Buttercross will be bathed in purple light this weekend.

The Market Place feature will be illuminated on Saturday, October 24 by Otley Rotary Club to mark World Polio Day. The Rotary movement has been working to eradicate polio for more than 35 years.

The infectious, paralysing and potentially fatal disease most commonly affects children but can also come cause health problems in later life. An Otley Rotary Club spokesperson said turning the Buttercross purple would be ‘a reminder of the amazing achievements made so far in the world-wide eradication of polio’.

They added: “Polio is now only endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan. We hope that, with your continued help and that of Rotary International, it won’t be too long before the WHO can certify these last two countries as also being free.”