Artists gathered at Cliffe Castle Museum  to celebrate the return of their annual exhibition.

Keighley Art Club and Bingley Art Society have for many years held a joint exhibition of members’ work at the Keighley museum.

But displays have had to be cancelled in recent years, firstly due to flooding and then because Cliffe Castle was closed for refurbishment.

The exhibition has now returned after an absence of more than two years, and will run until March 15. Dozens of artists from both groups are displaying a total of 88 artworks in a variety of media.

Keighley Mayor, Councillor Sally Walker, officially opened the exhibition.

Keighley Art Club secretary, Barbara Klempka, admitted the past few years had been “rather fraught” for both the art clubs and Bradford Council, but now believed things were working well.

She said: “We’re hoping to be back at Cliffe Castle for good, and we’re hoping to build a good reputation again.

“We’ve each put three paintings in for the exhibition and the council chose two to display.”

Bingley Arts Society spokesman, Joan Webb, said all the society’s members – including artists in Keighley, Wilsden and Cullingworth – had been encouraged to exhibit.

She added: “Everyone has their own style, and they are at various stages.

“Some are more or less starters, and we also have one or two who are really good. Each and every one puts their heart and soul into their work.”

Kirsty Gaskin, assistant curator with Bradford Museums and Galleries, said she was pleased to welcome the art clubs back to Cliffe Castle.

She added: “This is the first temporary exhibition we’ve had since we reopened. It’s fantastic to re-engage with the community.”

Keighley Art Club can be contacted on 01535 669914 and Bingley Art Society on 01535 663450.