A KEIGHLEY shop has thrown its weight behind a group which encourages people to take up sewing.

Sewing Machines and Crafts, in South Street, has loaned four sewing machines to Start Sewing Now, which is run by group founder and tutor Victoria Raw, who lives in Silsden.

The shop is managed by mother and daughter team Diana Watson and Carol Spence.

Mrs Spence said: "We've loaned the machines to Start Sewing Now for 12 months. At the end of this period the people taking part in the sessions will have a chance to buy the machines at a reduced price.

"We got involved after Victoria came into the shop with some questions about our products.

"She has also been sending members of her group to us for items that they use in their sewing classes."

Mrs Raw said her group, which meets three times a week at two different churches in Bingley, has been running for five years.

She said the computerised sewing machines provided by Mrs Watson and Mrs Spence were ideal for both beginners and advanced users.

"It's been great to be able to show my students how they can progress from using a more basic machine," she said. "These four machines are easy to use. They're not so advanced that they are frightening, but they can do everything.

"From my perspective, as someone who has been sewing commercially for 40 years, you can't beat them. My students really enjoy using them."

People wanting details about Start Sewing Now's courses can visit startsewingnow.co.uk The group also has its own Facebook page.