ORGANISERS of a community photo exhibition say the event has earned high acclaim – from visitors and participants.

Nearly 60 people attended the exhibition, at the Little Nomad Art Gallery in Keighley.

The images on display were by those who took part in an outdoor photography course staged as part of the Connect Keighley Project.

Spearheading the initiative were Keighley Healthy Living, in collaboration with community interest company Keighley Photo Hub. Support was provided by the National Lottery Community Fund.

The free weekly course, held last summer, was led by Lisa Holmes, founder and director of Keighley Photo Hub and a winner in the Keighley & Airedale Business Awards.

She says: "The objective of the course was to develop skills, create occasions to meet new people and enable members of the community to find a fresh hobby through social enterprise.

"Photography is a wonderful way to express yourself and communicate your feelings and emotions, which leads to improved mental wellbeing. That is why I feel it is so important that everyone has access to these courses and opportunities.

"The exhibition was well received by members of the public, with feedback including 'great to see so many people using the building', 'great way to see Keighley from different views and local area' and 'fab exhibition, needs to be held more often'."

Amongst those who took part in the course was Jonathan Wood, who said: "I really enjoyed being part of the whole experience, from participating in the course to being part of organising and attending the exhibition.

"I made a great group of friends and gained excellent photography skills and techniques. It was fantastic to see the event get so busy and I even sold four of my photographs, which made me so proud.

"After losing both my parents and having a bad year, Keighley Healthy Living has helped me gain confidence and come out of my shell, and given me something to look forward to. The photography course was excellent."

Following the success of the course, Keighley Healthy Living is planning to run another this summer.

To register interest, call 01535 677177, email admin@khl.org.uk or visit the Keighley Healthy Living centre in Scott Street, behind the library.

The display of photos can still be seen and pictures bought at the Little Nomad Art Gallery, in the former Marks & Spencer building, bottom entrance. It is open Friday afternoons and Saturdays.