KEIGHLEY Made, the new body representing the town's manufacturing companies, has held its first board meeting.

A host of successful local employers came together to thrash out aims and objectives for the fledgling organisation.

The bosses discussed how Keighley's manufacturing sector, which employs more than 4,000 people, could act as a flagship for the town and its people.

They chose 'Pride, Promotion, Education, Future' as their priorities, with potential mottos including 'Brightening Keighley's future', 'Keighley made? Be amazed' and 'Keighley made, passion for better'.

The board discussed membership criteria for Keighley Made, potential funding sources, and marketing matters such as a website, social media campaign and noticeboard displays.

A spokesman said: "When we have a presence, we want to encourage other organisations to join and help promote a brighter future for Keighley. We want Keighley industries talking about the 'Keighley-Made Movement' and want to be part of it."

Ideas discussed at the board meeting included a scheme where apprentices would spend a few weeks with each company within a similar industry.

The spokesman said college students could visit local companies to increase their knowledge of local organisations and career opportunities, adding: "Many students don't know what range of careers are on their doorstep."

Members of the board could also tour each other's factories to help them discover how they can help each other including selling each other products and services.

The board chose Manorlands hospice as its nominated charity. Members discussed collaborating with Keighley BID (Business Improvement District), which organises activities to attract more visitors and shoppers to the town centre.

Keighley Made was the brainchild of Paul Moore, managing director of successful Keighley company Powerrun Pipe-Mech Limited.

When the organisation was launched last autumn he promised a "Keighley revolution", with Keighley Made giving pride to the town's residents by showcasing the success of local companies both in the UK and across the world.