KEIGHLEY New Church held the 21st annual general meeting at its premises in Braithwaite Village.

The church was actually celebrating its 228th year, because since 1789 the congregation has relocated several times to meet the changing needs of its local community.

The present membership is drawn from many areas of Keighley.

The Rev Christine Bank opened the annual meeting, where reports were heard from different sections within the Keighley church.

Members reviewed the past year’s activities and appointed officers to manage the Keighley church in accordance with the national New Church organisation.

The Rev Bank reported on her busy year, when the number of weddings, funerals and baptisms had increased compared with 2015/16.

She is also secretary to the national committee of New Church ministers, and president of the New Church Youth Association.

Other New Churches in Yorkshire and Sunderland also have the benefit of her time.