AS A freelance journalist attending a couple of dozen events each year at the Ilkley Literature Festival, I am always struck by the many and varied audiences drawn into Ilkley from a wide area.

This gives a huge boost to tourism and to the catering and retail sectors, as well as sensitising visitors to the beauty of the area and all the other delights it has to offer. As a former teacher, I can see the value in reaching out to young audiences – something the festival does supremely well – which underpins the efforts made by the district’s schools to foster a love of language and literature in their students. The cross-cultural element is another festival strength; increasing awareness and understanding in our society is an on-going need and one the festival serves very well.

Finally, as a Council Tax contributor, I wish to see a small part of what I pay go towards supporting this jewel in Ilkley’s (and therefore the Bradford District’s) crown.

Judith Dunn

Brewery Road, Ilkley