KEIGHLEY MP John Grogan is calling for a new Channel 4 training academy to be set up in Keighley.

He made the suggestion as part of his support for a bid to bring the TV broadcaster’s base to the Leeds City Region.

Screen Yorkshire is spearheading the campaign following the Conservative Party’s general election manifesto commitment to relocating Channel 4 out of London.

In a letter to Sally Joynson, chief executive of Screen Yorkshire, Mr Grogan wrote: “There is no reason at all for the channel, which is basically a commissioner of programmes, to stay in expensive offices in the centre of London.

“Leeds would be ideal as the base for the main Channel 4 building with its history of programme production at Yorkshire TV, at BBC Yorkshire and at many independent companies.

“It is essential though that if this bid is to be different it includes something extra.

Mr Grogan, this week told the Keighley news the Keighley News that he understood the bid called for the main Channel 4 building to go to Leeds but the proposed Channel 4 Talent Training Academy would be in Bradford.

He added: “Basing the training academy in Keighley would be a statement that it is fulfilling its remit of promoting diversity and innovation in British broadcasting.

“Birmingham are the front runners in the race to attract Channel 4 but you have got to be in it to win it and I am determined that in Keighley we start dreaming big.”