KEIGHLEY people came together in an initiative inspired by the murdered MP Jo Cox.

Residents and a range of organisations gathered for a Great Get Together, at Church Green, on Saturday.

The event was organised by Keighley Town Council, but involved contributions from numerous groups and agencies.

A host of attractions included Mehndi hand art, face painting, 'messy play', horse and trap rides, storytelling, food and drinks, tombolas and craft activities, such as making bird feeders.

Among guests at the event were MP John Grogan, the Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Doreen Lee and Keighley town mayor Councillor Peter Corkindale.

The gathering was among many staged across the country as part of the Jo Cox Foundation’s Great Get Together.

Pip Gibson, the town council's project co-ordinator, said the event was a huge success.

"There’s no better way of bringing people together than to have a street party," she added.

"It’s also a really good opportunity for individuals, groups and organisations to show what they have to offer the community, engage in some informal networking and find out what they have in common.

"All the contributions to the event were on a voluntary basis. No grants were given, no one asked to be paid and – apart from two fundraising activities for good causes – everything was free.

"It just goes to show you don’t need to spend a fortune or tempt people with grants when you have the support of the community."

A driving force behind the event was Councillor Anayat Mohammad, chairman of the town council’s community development committee.

He said: "As someone who knew Jo Cox as a friend and colleague, the day was particularly touching.

"As a tribute to her we managed to bring together the folk of Keighley, proving we have more in common than that which divides us.

"This event marked the beginning of a new chapter in Keighley Town Council’s ongoing commitment to people-led community development.

"Events like this are an important part of involving local people in the creation of a town to be proud of.

"It was great to see so many people and cultures coming together in a show of mutual respect and understanding. I am sure that some great ideas for future projects will be generated."

Mr Grogan praised the town council for "establishing key events that brought the community together".

He added: "The success of the Great Get Together builds on community awards and celebrations of Yorkshire Day and this year's International Women's Day."