KEIGHLEY community leaders and organisations have tonight welcomed the news that Bradford district will be UK City of Culture 2025.

The winner of the hotly-contested competition was announced live on BBC1’s The One Show this evening.

Keighley's town mayor, Councillor Luke Maunsell, said: "I am overjoyed at Bradford's selection as the City of Culture for 2025.

"The Bradford district is one of the most diverse in the country and has long been a melting pot of multicultural identities unlike anywhere else in the country.

"From being David Hockney's birthplace to the Odeon and National Science and Media Museum, Bradford's place as a cultural hotspot was never in doubt.

"I am also very proud of Keighley's role in this with the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, Keighley Creative and Cliffe Castle a few highlights of what this great town has to offer. All of this being before you venture deeper into Bronte Country, with all that Haworth and the surrounding areas provide.

"I extend my warmest congratulations to the entire Bradford district. This is one of the greatest honours which could be bestowed to a city and I couldn't think of a more deserving victor!"

Keighley's MP, Robbie Moore, described the win as "absolutely fantastic news".

He added: "I have been lobbying hard on this and have met with the Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries countless times to promote our bid, and today’s result is testament to all the hard work.

"It is no surprise to see our area selected, for Keighley and Ilkley is home to some of Yorkshire’s finest tourist attractions. This includes the Bronte Parsonage Museum, Keighley and Worth Valley Railway and Ilkley Toy Museum, who all stand to play a huge role in the 'District of Culture' celebrations. Credit must also go to groups like Keighley Creative and the Keighley Arts and Film Festival, who have played a key role in securing this status.

"Past districts of culture have seen millions of pounds of investment and hundreds of jobs created, and I will work hard to ensure this is replicated across Keighley and Ilkley."

Arts charity Keighley Creative said it was delighted.

Creative director Gemma Hobbs said: “This is fantastic news for the Bradford district and for Keighley.

“Keighley Creative was proud to host the 2025 City of Culture judges during their tour of the area, and they were left in no doubt that we have a vibrant and diverse community of creative people in our town and the wider district.

“We’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with the Bradford 2025 team and playing our part in the successful bid. These are exciting times for the arts in Keighley and we’re looking forward to our creative hub and community work being at the heart of the cultural life and offer for the town.

“Being crowned City of Culture 2025 will shine an international spotlight on our brilliant creative communities and we’re determined to put Keighley centre stage and help our town reap the cultural and economic benefits of this accolade.”