Waterside life past and present is showcased in an exhibition at Keighley’s Central Hall.

The Aire Valley Waterways exhibition is the result of 20 years’ observation by photographer, writer and researcher Tim Smith.

The display features images from around the River Aire and Leeds-Liverpool Canal near Tim’s home in Shipley. They capture the transition from traditional factories manufacturing textile looms and spinning silk to hi-tech businesses producing set-top boxes and circuit boards.

They show how areas that were once the preserve of heavy industry have been colonised by wildlife, and how Victorian terraced housing has been replaced by modern luxury apartments.

The photographs also chart the development of the river and canal into leisure and recreational facilities, attracting rowers, cyclists, cricketers and festival goers.

Tim said: “The view from our house overlooks the river and the canal as they pass through Saltaire and Shipley. It’s been a real pleasure to work on a project about the place where I live. I often walk or cycle alongside the waterways, but carrying a camera has enabled me to explore them with fresh eyes.”

The free exhibition was originally created by Shipley Focus’d Photographic Gallery, and includes work newly-commissioned by regeneration body the Airedale Partnership. The exhibition runs until August 31. Central Hall, in Alice Street, is open Mondays to Fridays from 8.30am to 4pm and Saturdays from 9am to 2pm.