A media consultancy business launched by a Cross Roads mum is to stage fortnightly networking events at Laycock.

Gobby PR was set up in December by Heather Winter, who had worked as a project and public relations manager with a Bradford engineering firm for several months, and before that was in recruitment.

The new company covers PR, social media and film production.

And on February 20, the first of a series of business networking gatherings takes place at Laycock Village Hall, between 10am and 11am.

“I have found over the years there is a shortage of informal networking events in rural areas, and as a result local businesses can really suffer,” said Heather, 25, who has a six-year-old daughter, Scarlett.

“Being a Keighley resident and a small-business owner myself, this is something I can relate to.

“I have constantly had to go to places such as Leeds or York to attend informal networking events, and it’s a nightmare – a lot of them start very early so you need to set off at a ridiculous time.

“I hope to encourage parents who are sole traders and small business owners to come along to the new events.

“Being a mother to a young child myself, I appreciate networking events that start at 6.30am are near impossible to get to. This is why ‘Gobby’ networking will start at 10am and last just an hour.

“We hope to offer a refreshing alternative for small businesses, and encourage them to give networking a go and boost the local community.

“Our aim is to show networking isn’t something only large companies participate in.”

Attendance at the Laycock event costs £5, including tea or coffee and biscuits.

Visit gobbypr.com/gobbyprmis sion for further details.