AN initiative for environmentally-minded Keighley people is returning.

Keighley Green Drinks is resuming its bi-monthly meetings, from this month.

And the group has a new venue – The Wellbeing Lounge, in East Parade.

Green Drinks is amongst supporters of a campaign to achieve social enterprise town status for Keighley, which could generate investment and create jobs.

Currently, there are fewer than three dozen communities across the whole of the UK with the accreditation, from Social Enterprise UK.

Regeneration body Keighley Big Local, which is promoting the push for the status, is a supporter of Green Drinks.

Big Local co-ordinator Shaun O’Hare said the venture was helping like-minded people develop ideas.

He added: "Green Drinks is an informal opportunity for residents, enthusiasts, students and professionals to meet, chat and network.

"It's great for those interested in the environment, sustainability and social change, and we are excited that it is helping to deliver a successful Keighley Social Enterprise Town campaign.

"There will be a warm welcome for everyone at the meetings."

This month's meeting takes place on Tuesday, May 30, at 5pm.

The Wellbeing Lounge is creating a new 'green cocktail' to celebrate the group's resumption.

Guests at the meeting will include Pippa Chapman, from Those Plant People, and Tim Rodgers, of Future Transformation.

Mr O'Hare says: "Pippa is a forest gardener, designer and author who promotes the principles of permaculture – a system which is increasingly influencing sustainable agriculture and green lifestyles.

"Tim is CEO of Future Transformation, which provides people with the skills needed to rebalance and unlock their potential in the world of tech.

"Both are amongst those working together on the Keighley Social Enterprise Town campaign, with others including Keighley Community Photo Hub, Lions Den Men's Shed, Get Out More CIC and Discover Tai Chi."

Further Keighley Green Drinks meetings are scheduled for July 25, September 26 and November 28.

Future guests will include Sam Riley, of the Aire Rivers Trust, who will give a presentation on the River Worth restoration project.

The group said it was looking forward to returning, at its new location.

The Wellbeing Lounge is an award-winning enterprise owned by SJ (Sara) Fortune.

She was presented with the coveted Independent Trader of the Year accolade at the annual Keighley & Airedale Business Awards in 2019.

Further details about Keighley Green Drinks and its meetings can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/keighleygreendrinks.