KEIGHLEY has been hailed as a "powerhouse of talent".

The town's MP, Robbie Moore, was speaking following a visit to metallurgical and engineering firm Keighley Laboratories.

He was given a tour of the company's South Street site and learned more about the services offered to a range of industries, including aerospace and the automotive and energy sectors.

"Keighley is a powerhouse of talent with a manufacturing and engineering sector that has served as the backbone of our community for well over 100 years," said Mr Moore.

"Businesses like Keighley Laboratories are part of the heart and soul of the town, providing local, highly-skilled jobs and contributing to our wider economy by supporting a range of UK-wide sectors.

"During my visit I saw first-hand how the business is promoting career opportunities in manufacturing and engineering that give our young people a way to learn and earn and help them take a fast-tracked route to a skilled job – and for the employer, our young people are bringing passion and energy into the business."

Keighley Laboratories was acquired from existing shareholders in June this year by the executive management team, Debbie and Matthew Mellor.

Managing director, Mrs Mellor, says: "Mr Moore’s visit highlighted the crucial role that companies like ours play, not just in the local community, but also in driving engineering growth in the UK.

"Understanding our role in helping to produce and nurture the next generation of local talent in our industry is something that is very important to us, and we see it as our duty to help carry on the strength of this industry in West Yorkshire."

Keighley Laboratories is a regular supporter of Bradford Manufacturing Weeks and is backing the latest initiative, which starts on Monday, October 9.

The venture, spearheaded by West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, gives young people an insight into the manufacturing sector and the careers available.

Other local companies taking part include Ex-Pressed Steel Panels at Cowling, Fives in Cross Hills, and Gesipa, Keighley.

Nearly 2,000 students aged 14-18 participated in last year's event, the fifth to be held. The venture involved pupils from 40 schools, and more than 30 employers.

Mark Cowgill, the chamber's president elect, says: "Bradford district has one of the finest manufacturing sectors in the country and Manufacturing Weeks has done so much good work in giving it new blood."

Sponsors of this year's event are Bradford Council, Bradford University, Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership, NatWest and Azets.

For further information about Bradford Manufacturing Weeks, visit bradfordmanufacturingweek.co.uk.