Think of traditional Guiding activities and the likes of bricklaying, wallpapering and car maintenance don't readily spring to mind.

But that is exactly what Guides from across Keighley got stuck into during an interest day at Keighley College.

And together with the college they have laid the foundations for more Guide and Scout interest days across West Yorkshire.

A total of 125 guides from nine companies across the Keighley division participated in the activity day.

The groups of 20 took part in nine workshops covering subjects as diverse as computer skills, hairdressing, mini dry stone walling, joinery and childcare.

Guiders from Bradford, Ilkley and Shipley were also invited to take a closer look at the event that has been pioneered in Keighley.

Division commissioner Vera Redman says: "It was the second interest day like this we have held for Guides in Keighley and it was absolutely terrific.

"The Guides enjoyed doing things like the bricklaying as well as the sessions on more traditional girls' activities like hairdressing.

"It couldn't have gone better and it helped that we had such good co-operation from all the instructors and members of staff down at Keighley College."

The college's involvement with the movement began several years ago when it laid on a spray painting workshop at a Brownies interest day at Oakbank School.

After the success of the pilot Guides Interest Day last year the college is to help spread the skill sessions to other youth groups across the Bradford district.

It has received £1.7million from Yorkshire Forward to develop out-of-school tuition over the next five years.

Pre 16 manager Mark Curtis says: "We are going to take all the work we have done with Guides and Scouts in Keighley and spread that across the region, produce some learning materials and work with 10 other colleges and other local Guide and Scout groups.

"The central aim of the project is to challenge gender stereotyping and give more confidence to girls as well as greater skills and opportunities for Guides and Scouts.

"This has been made in Keighley and is furthering the work we have been doing at Keighley College for the last 15 years." The college is looking to produce a CD ROM to help other colleges and youth groups set up similar tuition schemes in their local area.

Pcitured: Lucy Hart, top, and Rebecca Meegan, both 12, join in the brickwork session at Keighley College