A TALK is being given in Keighley to raise awareness of Asian hornets.

Anyone is welcome to attend the free event, at Keighley Civic Centre on Thursday, April 4.

The session, between 6pm and 7.30pm, is being hosted by the town council.

Linda Schofield – secretary of Airedale Beekeepers Association, and the Asian hornet team co-ordinator for the Yorkshire Beekeepers Association Airedale district – is delivering the talk.

She says Asian hornets are a non-native insect that pose a "significant" risk to native pollinators including honey bees.

She adds: "We are calling on the public to help spot Asian hornets and report sightings from spring through to late autumn.

"This destructive insect poses the greatest threat to our native pollinators in a generation.

"Asian hornets can become aggressive when defending nests, posing a risk to public health.

"More nests were discovered throughout the UK in 2023 than in the previous six years combined. The cost to the economy in France, where Asian hornets have become established, is estimated to be in excess of £26 million a year.

"Members of the public are invited to attend the talk to discover more and how they can help."

Light refreshments will be available.