KEIGHLEY Cougars have announced a series of measures to step up security at their ground.

A team of fully-qualified security staff, who work at all Cougars home matches, but at major matches for the club an extra team will be present to patrol the stadium to support the stewards.

Extra external CCTV digital recording will be installed. The club statement said: "We aim to cover the whole of Cougar Park, so fans can have peace of mind that we are keeping you safe so you can have the most enjoyable day."

The club is also launching a dedicated real-time text messaging service on matchdays for fans to text any security concerns.

The club added: "This text line will be permanently monitored by our security staff, and an immediate response team will be sent straight out to any areas highlighted by fans where they have a concern.

"The dedicated text message number will be printed on matchday tickets, on our website, around the ground, and on Cougar social media channels.

"We will be implementing these measures immanently and hope this will help our ground maintain its safe, family-friendly atmosphere."

These safety measures have been brought in following a fiery clash between Cougars and Hunslet last Saturday night.

Cougars are appealing for information after a ball boy was left in tears by alleged verbal abuse from the terraces during the derby clash.

Any witnesses to the incident are urged to email info@cougarmania.co.uk

In an earlier statement, the club said: "Keighley Cougars prides itself on being a family club and take zero tolerance to any troublesome behaviour, whether it be physically or verbally, especially when it ruins the enjoyment of the game for ball boys and fellow supporters."