A KEIGHLEY book-sharing initiative is proving a massive success.

And it has received a five-star review from the town’s MP!

Emma Baker helped set-up the venture – run through a Facebook group ­– when she moved to Keighley from Bradford in April.

Now the group has several hundred members and is growing all the time.

Emma has a stock of around 1,000 books, donated from as far away as Whitby and Hull, packed into her flat.

All kinds of publications are shared, with members also discussing good reads.

Emma – who co-founded the group, Keighley and Surrounding Area’s Books to Share, with Kate Kilvington – said she was delighted at how the scheme had flourished.

“When myself and Kate set-up the group we never imagined it would be the success it has become,” she added.

“I am so proud of how the group has developed and the members who make it what it is.

“I have never met a group of people who are so passionate, not just about books, but about helping each other and the wider community. I can’t wait to see how the group develops in the future.”

Soon after starting the project, the founders were joined by Christine Robinson and a number of other helpers.

The group snowballed, through word of mouth and the power of social media.

Six administrators photograph and catalogue each book, so that people can return, re-donate or keep the publications they take. Books have also been supplied to school libraries in the area.

When dropping-off or collecting the books, social distancing and other measures to help prevent the spread of coronavirus are observed.

Also, reusable cloth bags – produced for free, out of donated materials, by Alison McLean of Plastic Free Keighley – are used.

MP Robbie Moore met Emma and Kate and paid tribute to the scheme.

He said: “Emma has made an instant impact in our community since moving here and it was a real pleasure to meet with her and Kate to see the work they are doing.

“Young people, the elderly and others who enjoy reading will all benefit from the scheme and I wish the group all the success in the future. I will also do all I can to support the group.”