Keighley Cougars are opening a store in the Airedale Shopping Centre.

The unit – which begins trading at 11am this Saturday – will stock latest kit and a range of merchandise, including balls, key rings and pens.

Cougars chairman Gary Fawcett said: “The shop gives us a valuable sales venue.

“Our stadium is outside the centre of the town and this provides a presence in the centre, where we can promote our brand.

“We had a shop open briefly for four weeks last year and we know how it can bump up sales. Customers can walk past and see the quality of our merchandise.”

Club prop forward Andy Shickell, who is sponsored by the shopping centre, said: “It’s important to the future of the club that we have a focal point like this in the centre of the town.

“A shop is where revenue comes from and helps get people into the club.”

Airedale Centre manager Steve Seymour welcomed the opening.

“We know what the Cougars mean to the town,” he said.

“They have a very loyal fan base who, up to now, have only been able to try on kit on match days.

“The shop will also be useful to the many visitors we get to the town, from all over the world, who will be able to pick up something a bit more personal to Keighley.”

The shop will open Mondays to Saturdays.