AS the country prepares to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III, people in Skipton are being asked to share their photographs and memories of the King when he visited the town as Prince Charles.

A celebration for coronation day Saturday, May 6 is being jointly organised by Skipton Town Council and Skipton BID when patriotic revellers will be invited to 'raise a glass' to the King and Queen Consort.

The celebrations will take place at the Canal Basin and will include a live screening on a giant screen of the coronation as it happens at Westminster Abbey, London.

Organisers are also hoping to be able to put together a collection of photographs and memories on the screen of when the King visited Skipton in the past.

As Prince Charles, the King visited Skipton in 1988. Arriving by train, he toured the soon to be opened Craven Court, High Corn Mill and Skipton Castle.

He returned to Skipton again in February 2004 when he visited Skipton Auction Mart before heading off the Dales. He has also made several other visits to the Dales and to Airedale Hospital in Steeton over the years.

Organisers of Skipton's coronation event on May 6 say there will be crafting stalls to entertain children, and food and drink sellers, and people will be able to enjoy a 'glass of fizz' to celebrate the occasion.

Skipton Real Food Market will also be there in Coach Street Car park with some locally produced delicacies.

Andrew Mear, Chair of Skipton BID and now owner of High Corn Mill, said it was one of his greatest ambitions to see King Charles back in Skipton. He said “Even though I was only 10 when the Prince visited and it wasn’t until 1990 when my father purchased the building, we are extremely proud of the fact he visited Skipton and the High Corn Mill.

"He looked for inspiration for his book ‘A Vision of Britain’ as he has a great interest in architecture and the redeveloping of old buildings."

Mr Mear added: " I have recently finished a holiday cottage in the High Corn Mill and placed 'gold footprints' on the exact spot where he stood in the building. It would be one of my greatest ambitions to get King Charles III back to my building to add to the story and show how his vision has developed. I have some treasured photos of the King one of which has been on permanent display at the High Corn Mill since 1990. Maybe other people have some similar treasured photos they can share with us."

Louise Close, chief officer of Skipton Town Council, said “We are so excited for the King's coronation screening at the Canal basin. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate British tradition and view the pageantry, and will be a fun day for all the family.

"There is such a variety of attractions, from craft, the Skipton Real Food Markets, entertainment and of course a film to finish the day off. It would be wonderful to bring the past to life and view the people of Skipton’s memories of King Charles III either from when he visited the town or personal memories of the King“ Organisers are asking people to share their photographs and memories by emailing them to: info@skiptonbid.com