A TOWN-centre attraction at the weekend wasn’t for the squeamish.

But the event, a new addition to the activities programme of Keighley Business Improvement District (BID), went down a treat with shoppers.

The Airedale Shopping Centre hosted a bushtucker cafe, with ‘diners’ of all ages being invited to tuck in to a variety of jungle snacks.

Dubious delicacies on the menu ranged from meal worms and locusts to chocolate-coated ants and giant water bugs.

Keighley BID manager, Paul Howard, said: “We thought we’d try something a little different with the bushtucker cafe, and it went down really well.

“We were quite surprised at how brave some of the children were, eating the bugs.

“I’m not sure I could do as well myself!”

Other attractions included performances from Professor Jon and his Flea Circus.

A giant praying mantis and a fly and Venus fly-trap were seen walking around the town centre, having their photos taken with shoppers.

And there was free face painting, balloon modelling and giveaways.

Keighley BID was set-up to draw more shoppers and visitors to the town centre.

It stages monthly events and is carrying out schemes to improve the area.

Through a project, it has also helped member businesses identify over £27,000 in savings.

The initiative utilises specialist advisor Meercat Associates’ buying power in representing over 100 BIDs across the country.

BID pays for and manages the service, so there is no cost to members.

Savings have been achieved across areas including energy, merchant fees and telecommunications.

“We are delighted with the way the scheme is finding significant savings for our members,” said Mr Howard.

“As part of our commitment to make Keighley better for business, this free member service is proving popular.”

For details about the service, contact Phil Walker at Keighley BID on phil@discoverkeighley.co.uk or 01535 618085.

To keep up to date with BID events, visit discoverkeighley.co.uk or search for Discover Keighley on Facebook and twitter.