SUPPORT for Keighley-district businesses affected by the impact of the Covid-19 Omicron variant has been welcomed by the town's MP.

As part of the Government funding package, one-off grants of up to £6,000 are being offered to hospitality and leisure businesses – dependent on business rate valuations.

Firms will also be able to claim the cost of statutory sick pay for workers isolating.

And the Cultural Recovery Fund, which has already benefited attractions including Keighley's Picture House and the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, is being topped-up by £30 million.

Keighley MP, Robbie Moore, said: "I know from talking to people that many of our pubs, restaurants and theatres are really struggling. That's one of the key reasons I voted against Plan B in the Commons – and since then I’ve been lobbying the Chancellor Rishi Sunak for more help for businesses.

"I’m really pleased with the additional package of support – which builds on the tens of thousands of pounds already provided – to help our local businesses get through this latest challenge."

Mr Sunak said: "We recognise that businesses in the hospitality and leisure sectors are facing huge uncertainty, so we’re stepping in with £1 billion of support."