FREE Wi-Fi is to be launched across the centre of Keighley.

The move will make the town centre among the first in the district to boast the blanket coverage.

Currently, some individual premises – including the Airedale Shopping Centre and Keighley Market – offer the free internet access.

But under the initiative, due to be up and running early next month, people anywhere in the town centre will be able to link-up to the web through Wi-Fi.

The move, being spearheaded by Keighley Business Improvement District (BID) and Bradford Council, has been hailed as a massive boost for the town.

Bosses hope it will attract more visitors as well as benefit existing shoppers and residents.

In addition to accessing their usual apps and browsers, users will be able to connect to a Discover Keighley web directory containing information about a wide range of town-centre businesses.

Paul Howard, Keighley BID manager, said: "Providing residents and visitors with access to fast, efficient internet connectivity is another string in the bow for the town centre – especially as Wi-Fi networks become more the norm in public places."

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, planning and transport, said the local authority was delighted to be a partner in the scheme.

"The free Wi-Fi will be a great amenity for Keighley and will make the town an even better place to visit," he added.

MP John Grogan also welcomes the venture.

He said: "The great advantage of free Wi-Fi in the town centre for Keighley retailers, cafes and pubs is that all the evidence suggests customers tend to stay longer if they can remain online without cost.

"And convenience for customers also means extra sales for shops."

Steve Seymour – manager of the Airedale Shopping Centre, which has offered free Wi-Fi for about four years – said its expansion throughout the town centre was "good for everybody".

"It's been a great asset for the centre and our customers and I'm delighted it is being introduced across the whole town centre," he added.

"Trains and buses now have Wi-Fi connection so really it's a logical step to expand it, so that people can access the internet on their journey and then throughout their time in the town centre.

"Keighley will be one of the first places in the district to offer free access across the whole centre of town, which is great news for shoppers and all visitors."

More details about events and provision in the town centre, and Keighley BID, can be found at discoverkeighley.co.uk or search Discover Keighley on social media.