Keighley's two oldest taxi companies have made a bold move to become a driving force for private hire in the area.

Keighley Taxis and Metro Taxis, who between them have over 60 years experience in the private hire business, have joined forces to become the town's biggest operator.

In reality Metro, situated in Church Street, has taken over its North Street counterpart, but the two companies will continue to operate from separate offices and will be keeping their own names.

The marriage of the two firms takes the total fleet to between 70 and 80 taxis, including people carriers and vehicles with wheelchair access for disabled passengers.

Bosses see this as an enormous advantage and say that with the extra resources they will be able to give their customers a better deal.

Should all the cars at one of the carriers be booked then a taxi could be sent by the other, saving the customer a lengthy wait.

John Meiehofer, who runs Metro, said: "With this move we are hoping to provide a better service and cut down waiting times for customers. We are looking to expand the fleet and are updating our vehicles all the time."

Leigh Hastings, manager of Keighley Taxis, said: "We are aiming to reduce response times, which should make us able to improve the service to our customers.

"Most of our work comes in throughout the week, whereas Metro, being at the heart of the pubs and nightlife, gets more weekend trade.

"With the two firms now together we can be busy seven days a week."