A COMMUNITY group is in line for a national award due to the impact of its work with Keighley residents.

Highfield Community Association has won a regional Charity Achievement Award from the Lloyds Bank Foundation.

The prize for Outstanding Impact means the group, which runs Highfield Community Centre, has been shortlisted for the UK finals.

The association was chosen due to the wide variety of its activities for all ages, and will receive a £1,000 prize.

Judges heard the association helped about 2,000 people each month in Keighley and surrounding areas.

They said: “The association stood out from the other entries for providing a wealth of resources and services, including adult education classes, social and support groups.

“One of their most successful ideas, which began with a small pilot in 2008, was to send Play Rangers to interact with young people in schools and community centres, working particularly in places where there are problems with drug use, crime and gangs.

“Schools and parents have reported better behaviour and school attendance as a result, and there has been a noticeable benefit to the community as a whole.”

Highfield Community Association was among six charities from Yorkshire and the Humber who this week won charity achievement awards in different categories. Representatives will travel to London for an awards ceremony on October 8.

Lloyds Bank Foundation chief executive, Paul Streets, said the regional winners had demonstrated excellent and inspiring practice, and had set the standard high.

He added: “They have not just survived in these tough times, but are thriving, delivering vital services and literally transforming lives."

The Play Rangers, based at the Highfield Community Centre in Drewry Road, are currently running their Street Club summer holiday activities across Keighley for five to 14-year-olds.

They celebrate National Play Day on Monday, from noon to 4pm, with a bouncy castle, face painting, sports, henna, a climbing wall and den building. They will move to Victoria Park on Tuesday, from 1pm to 4pm, for a fun day, including a bouncy castle, face-painting, henna, sports and a barbecue, at a cost of £2 each.

The Play Rangers will be back in Highfield Community Centre next Thursday for children’s arts and crafts, with a charge of £2. On July 31 the Highfield Centre will host a family Eid Party for all ages from 1pm to 4pm.