Keighley town councillor Lionel Lockley has been elected to the committee of the National Association of Local Councils.

Coun Lockley, who represents the Bracken Bank and Ingrow ward, beat 12 nominees from across England to land the prestigious position.

He had to speak in front of 60 delegates from the 8,500 town and parish councils represented.

Coun Lockley said he wanted to give a voice to the councils of West Yorkshire, and was available to listen to the concerns of any town or parish councillor.

The association lobbies government on a host of issues.

Coun Lockley, said the gathering in London where he was chosen was also attended by Eric Pickles, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

Coun Lockley told the delegates he and Mr Pickles had both grown up in Keighley.