SKIPTON'S parish church and town hall were lit up in purple last night (Thursday) as part of World Polio Day.

In a show of support for the global fight against polio, the two High Street buildings were illuminated in the initiative organised by Skipton Rotary Club.

The purple lighting carries a significant message. Across many countries, purple marks are applied to the fingers of vaccinated children, symbolising hope for a polio-free future.

By illuminating its landmarks, Skipton joined countless towns and cities worldwide in supporting the goal of global polio eradication.

Judy Hazlehurst, president of Skipton Rotary, said: "Lighting up our town’s landmarks in purple reminds us of the progress made in the fight to eradicate polio, but also of the work that remains.

"We are very grateful to Skipton Town Council, Skipton Town Hall, and Holy Trinity Church for their support to this cause.”

In the late 1980’s Rotary promised to eliminate polio from the world. Since then supported by the World Health Organisation and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Rotary has given millions of dollars to the End Polio Now campaign.

While polio has been largely eradicated through extensive vaccination efforts, isolated cases still appear, underscoring the need for continued awareness and immunisation campaigns.

For more information on the fight to eradicate polio visit www.skiptonrotary.org