BUSINESS bosses are giving their backing to one of Keighley’s most popular attractions.

Firms are providing invaluable support to Cliffe Castle Museum, through its board of trustees.

Their largely-unsung efforts are helping to ensure the historic building can continue to be enjoyed by the public.

Work on a massive £4.5 million restoration of the Cliffe Castle Park is due for completion this summer.

The project was developed with support from volunteer members of the Cliffe Castle Park Conservation Group.

And clients from the Cellar Trust and Shipley College’s horticultural social enterprise, Bradford Works, have been giving assistance.

As part of the initiative, ornamental gates at the Skipton Road entrance to the grounds have been replaced following refurbishment and the bandstand and statues are being restored.

Bradford Council successfully bid for £3.5 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund Parks for People programme to help cover the cost of the scheme.

The museum building is also undergoing work and a massive new dome, already lifted into place, will form a centrepiece of the project.

Vaughan Stell, director of long-established Keighley company Stell Cardboard Tubes, joined the board of trustees in 2003.

He has since taken over as chairman from Colin Clarkson.

“I was happy to accept the invitation to join the board back in 2003 and more recently to succeed Colin as chairman,” said Mr Stell.

“This has given me a wonderful opportunity to help the Cliffe Castle Trust, a legacy of Sir Bracewell Smith who gave the museum and park to the people of Keighley.

“I look forward to completion of the restoration.”

Recent recruits to the board include Adele Gallagher, a director of David Gallagher Funeral Directors in Keighley.

She said: “The support that both David and I have received from the people of Keighley over the past 24 years in business has been invaluable and when opportunities arise for us to give back to the town, we are always eager to offer our support.

“I was delighted to be asked to join the trustees and look forward to supporting the group.”

Legal support is provided to the board by AWB Charlesworth Solicitors.

The firm – whose roots date back more than 250 years – has offices in Keighley, Skipton, Bradford and Bingley.