The national branch of a charity representing people of Italian descent will stage its annual convention in Keighley for the first time.

ACLI, which stands for the Christian Association of Italian Workers, will stage the event at University Academy Keighley on Sunday.

The group has 5,000 members in the UK, including 150 in its Keighley branch which was set up 25 years ago.

Keighley ACLI president Giovanni d’Angelo said the convention normally takes place in London, but he had asked for it to be brought to Keighley this year. The invite-only event will include a mass, conference and a dinner dance. It will attract members from across the UK.

Mr d’Angelo said ACLI’s activities included making sure younger people of Italian origin remained in touch with their cultural heritage.