Keighley MP Kris Hopkins welcomed veteran Conservative politician Sir Nicholas Soames to his constituency.

Sir Nicholas Soames joined Conservatives from across the region for dinner at the Craiglands Hotel in Ilkley, before making a speech.

He was introduced by Mr Hopkins who said he was privileged to welcome the grandson of Sir Winston Churchill to the Keighley and Ilkley constituency.

Mr Hopkins said: “Nick has become a close friend and valued confidant to me in Parliament and it was a real pleasure to see him in Yorkshire and sharing stories from has fascinating political life.

“He remains one of the sharpest brains in Westminster and, as we go through one of the most turbulent periods in our nation’s history following the Brexit vote, it is hugely beneficial have his wise counsel on hand.

“I know that everyone who came to the event greatly enjoyed hearing him speak.”

Sir Nicholas, who served as Food Minister and then Armed Forces Minister in John Major’s Government, was knighted in the 2014 New Year’s Honours for political service.

The well-attended dinner was part of a programme of social events that Keighley and Ilkley Conservative Association have organised.

Mike Gibbons, chairman of the Keighley and Ilkley Conservative Association, said: “As constituency chairman, I was delighted to welcome Sir Nicholas to Ilkley and our members very much enjoyed hearing both our MP, Kris Hopkins, and Sir Nicholas speak and of course to have the opportunity to meet with him.

“So far this year we have welcomed Michael Gove MP and Penny Mordaunt MP and will soon have some further dates and interesting guests in the diary.”

E-mail keighleytory.org or call 01535 210108 for information about future visits.