WEST Yorkshire is bucking the national trend when it comes to the number of cannabis plant raids by police.

Data released today shows the number of seizures across the country was down last year, but a third of police forces saw an increase - of those, West Yorkshire was in the top five with a hike of 71 per cent.

On Wednesday, police in Keighley discovered 42 cannabis plants being grown inside a property in Knowle Park.

Neighbourhood police team officers raided the building in Victoria Road following a tip-off that a strong smell of cannabis was coming from the building.

A 39-year-old local man was arrested.

Keighley Central Ward police sergeant Tany Ditta added: "Local officers will take a robust stance against cannabis cultivation, use and dealing, and we rely on members of the public to assist us in catching the offenders and bringing them to justice."

West Yorkshire Police was unable to provide Bradford specific figures for the number of seizures last year.

The force's drugs co-ordinator Bryan Dent said: "The tactics and expertise we have developed over the years have seen us have significant successes in identifying and shutting down cannabis farms, and that work will continue.

"Those involved in the production of cannabis are more likely than ever to get caught and will face significant penalties through the courts."

He encouraged people to report suspicions about people growing drugs by contacting local neighbourhood policing team on 101 or calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Nationally, more than 450,000 cannabis plants were seized in 2014, according to Freedom of Information figures collected by insurance company Direct Line for Business.