Keighley’s historic Pop 'n' Pasty social club, which opened as a teetotal haunt for political activists, will be reborn as an Islamic madrassa.

Bradford Council planners have just approved a scheme to turn the downstairs part of the abandoned North East Ward Liberal Club into a muslim education centre.

Keighley agents AA Planning Services submitted the plan, which includes creating a three-bedroom dwelling on the upper floor of the Bradford Road building, near Victoria Park.

And a spokesman said their client would be delighted. “The applicant is very keen to start work as soon as possible,” he said.

“No structural work is needed just some cosmetic improvements and there is still stuff to move out including a big old pool table.

"The aim is to create a centre for a range of educational activities.”

Built as two terraced houses and opened in 1908, the Pop 'n' Pasty was a thriving social club in its prime.

But dwindling numbers meant it ran at a loss until hosting its final act in March 2012.

* Full story in tomorrow's Keighley News