FILMING in Keighley district for major movie and small-screen productions is set to receive a massive boost.

The town and its surrounding areas is already something of a magnet for crews, which have shot everything from timeless family classic The Railway Children to gritty BBC drama Peaky Blinders.

The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, Dalton Mills, the Bronte Parsonage at Haworth and historic East Riddlesden Hall are among locations regularly used for filming.

Now even more credits could roll for the area as Screen Yorkshire expands its support of the industry.

The organisation has opened a new film office, aimed at offering extended opportunities to both UK and international producers.

In addition to its existing investment fund, which has supported more than 40 filming projects in the region, Leeds-based Screen Yorkshire will provide a one-stop-shop for all enquiries.

A dedicated film office team will liaise with and support production bosses on everything from locations and facilities to being based in Yorkshire.

Longer-term, working in conjunction with public and private partners, it is also planned to explore the development of a large-scale studio complex which would serve as a hub for domestic and international film and TV activity.

Sally Joynson, chief executive officer of Screen Yorkshire, said: “Our ambition to make the region a world-class venue for the screen industries has taken a major step forward with the opening of the film office.

“Our dedicated team and resources will provide a single point of contact for producers wanting to film in the region – and provide them with a bespoke service to give the advice and support they need to deliver their projects.

“Together with the news that Channel 4 is moving its national headquarters to the region, the opening of our film office sends a clear message to screen industry creatives far and wide that Yorkshire is open for business and ready to welcome them.”

Productions which have received investment from Screen Yorkshire’s so-called Yorkshire Content Fund include a 2016 film version of Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons, which was partly shot on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway.

Support has also been provided to Peaky Blinders, filmed at Dalton Mills in Keighley; Official Secrets, another production shot on the railway; Testament of Youth and The Great Train Robbery.