KEIGHLEY residents have a tip-top relationship with the army as a result of a family fun day this month.

Communities in Keighley West, which includes Bracken Bank and Braithwaite, came together with the Army Reserves for the Tip Top event.

Around 1000 people went along to the piece of land known as the Tip Top off North Dean Road in Braithwaite.

Soldiers from the reserve units of 4 PARA and 4 Yorks provided an array of activities including a 75-foot inflatable assault course, inflatable bouncy ‘Hercules’, a weapons stand, paintball target practice, and vehicles.

A Spitfire from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight waggled its wings as it flew overhead.

Other activities included a storytelling picnic, face painting, Duke of Edinburgh promotion, flower planting, and den building.

Captain Tim Fleming of 4PARA and community development worker Pip Gibson spearheaded the innovative project to help local people learn about Army life as a “Yorkshire Warrior”.

Captain Fleming said: “This excellent event allowed the public to see and interact with soldiers, many of which have served on operations. It is hoped that this newly-formed link with the community can flourish further.”

Pip Gibson said it had been an “absolute pleasure” to work alongside 4PARA and 4YORKS.

She said: “The partnership was inspired, supported and facilitated by the people who live, work and play in the Keighley District.

“This event will be the catalyst for much more joint activity in our area.”

The event was supported by local organisations and politicians, with funding from Keighley businesses, South Street Metals, the People’s Health Trust and Eccleshill Adventure Playground.

Groups taking part included Keighley Armed Forces Association, the Youth Service, Pink Paws Cat Rescue, Hidden Voices charity, Time Out Coffee Stop, and Keighley Library.

Volunteer gardeners from Braithwaite’s Cabbage Club organised catering and market stalls, and their was strong support from Keighley’s Italian community.

Local people later took to Facebook to speak of how much their children had enjoyed the Tip Top event.

Jane Clay "I went to the tip top day with some people i work with. both me and the other staff member where very impressed. It was fantastic they had a brilliant time. Great job by all involved....the lads love all the Army stuff!"

Resident Samantha Clarke said: “What a fantastic day today, you should be very proud of what you created today , the community and armed forces came out in force.”

Another, Shirley Wright, said her granddaughter Tori had loved making a wooden flower box for her mum with a very patient young gardener, as well as going on the assault course, sitting in an army vehicle and shooting a paintball rifle.