Keighley's Airedale Shopping Centre welcomed over one million people through its doors in December - the first time it has done so.

Although trade got off to a slow start in November, it soon improved, with shoppers flocking to the centre's stores to buy Christmas presents and pick up bargains in the sales.

Centre manager Chris Gribben said he thought the increase in shoppers was due to a loyal customer base and Keighley's accessibility, further improved by the overhaul of the bus station.

He said: "Keighley plays an important role in the region and has done well compared to other centres."

Marks and Spencer line manager Angela Rhodes said: "We've done fantastically well and we've been so busy. Our food section wasn't expected to do so well, but it has still beat estimates. The sales have been busy."

The last four days before Christmas Day and the sales period were the busiest times for WH Smith. Store manager Nigel Fenn said the increase in shoppers came later than usual, a trend noticed in recent years.