NEIGHBOURS in Keighley and Oakworth held outdoor parties at two separate Great Get Togethers.

The events were among hundreds across the country inspired by murdered MP Jo Cox to unite communities and help them recognise they had more in common than they realised.

A Saturday afternoon street party brought together more than 100 residents of Lawnswood Road, which runs off Oakworth Road near Lund Park.

Keighley community worker Jo Horrox said: “A diverse range in terms of both age and ethnicity came together on a beautiful sunny afternoon and enjoyed each other‘s company.

“The event enabled people to meet and talk together, sometimes for the first time, and to join in with a range of games. There was a fantastic selection of food and drinks brought by each household.

“Organisers of the event were delighted not only with the large turnout but with the tremendous feedback from all the people who attended, who included local councillor Julie Lintern and MP John Grogan. “

One couple who has lived on the street for 62 years said they had never seen anything like the event, and it was lovely to meet new neighbours.

One of the organisers, Fatima Bibi, said: “The event was very special indeed with such a postive spirit that brought three generations of people together, and a diverse mix.“

Children were delighted they could play without being scared of cars, making new friends and having fun playing different games.

Jo added: "Thanks go to everyone who made the event a success and joined in with the games and to Bradford Council for a small contribution and for the use of gazebos, tables and road closure signs.

"The council was extremely helpful and accommodating and made the planning much easier. Anyone thinking about organising a Great Get Together should go ahead and do it.

Due to the tremendous success and the positivity of the day residents are already talking about planning another next year."

Oakworth Community Trust and the village’s Christ Church teamed up to organise a Great Get Together Barbecue.

The free event at the church attracted more than 100 people from across community and was declared a great success.

A spokesman said: “It was lovely to see so many families coming together. Free burgers and drinks went down very well!

“The Yorkshire weather, always a few degrees lower in Oakworth, was kind, staying dry all day and warm enough for everyone to sit outside.

“Inspired by the excellent success of Holden Hall's recycling initiative, people were asked to bring their own travel mugs for their drinks to reduce plastic use and waste. There were also bins available to separate cardboard and paper.”

Visit oakworthcommunitytrust.org.uk and oakworthchurch.org.uk for information about future events in the village.