KEIGHLEY'S world-famous steam heritage railway has been showcased in Parliament alongside several district businesses.

The spotlight was shone on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway and enterprises from across the constituency in an event at Westminster Hall.

Government ministers were amongst those in attendance, together with fellow MPs and staff.

And the gathering even received recognition from Rishi Sunak during Prime Minister's Questions.

The businesses present – which in addition to the railway included Ilkley Brewery, Addingham Fruit Liqueurs and Lishman's butchers, plus representatives of Ilkley Business Improvement District – handed out leaflets and samples.

Keighley MP Robbie Moore praised the "incredible talent" on show.

He added: "I am determined to shout from the rooftops about the incredible talent we have across our area – and what better way to do it than to showcase some of the brilliant businesses in this way.

"It was an absolute privilege to welcome these businesses to Parliament and I’d like to thank them for showing why, despite the negativity we often hear about our area, there is so much to be proud of.

"We were joined by MPs and ministers from across the country and it was great to introduce them to the businesses so they could hear all about our area.

"We've a huge range of awesome local businesses doing great things, and I am extremely proud of them all. I will continue to do everything I can to put our mighty part of West Yorkshire on the map."

Dr Matt Stroh, chair of the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, attended the event.

He says: "It was a great privilege to be in the company of such fabulous businesses from Keighley and Ilkley, raising awareness of how much the area has to offer – particularly in the food and beverage sector.

"We have recently run our very popular beer and music weekend, which showcases the rich diversity of breweries in the area.

"I know that we succeeded in supporting Robbie’s quest to showcase to the nation’s MPs and staff what the area a bit to the north of the M25 has to offer, and I’ve no doubt that we prompted some of them to book a trip to Yorkshire in the near future!"

The event follows the success of a similar initiative staged last year by Mr Moore, celebrating Yorkshire Day, which featured stalls hosted by the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, Timothy Taylor’s brewery in Keighley, Grandma Wilds, the Bronte Parsonage Museum, Wyedean Weaving, Chocolate of Haworth and Byworth Boilers Ltd.