Braithwaite People's Assoc-iation has for several years provided a voice for residents of the estate. Now the group needs to find a new voice so it can continue its work for the people of Braithwaite and Guard House.

BPA treasurer John Philip is looking for a stand-in bingo caller because he fears losing his voice. He is suffering after several months of calling numbers for the twice-weekly sessions.

The BPA is also looking for volunteers to help with its range of activities for pensioners, children and families. Particularly in demand are helpers for Tuesday evening and Friday afternoon bingo sessions, and a planned weekday community cafe.

The BPA manages the Keith Thompson Community Centre, where it runs weekly advice sessions and helps fund and organise groups which use the building. The members sit on several Keighley-wide organisations including PACT -- which oversees the spending of European funding in Keighley -- and the Funding Forum.

Mr Philip said the next year would be one of consolidation, with BPA members concentrating on existing activities rather than over-stretching themselves.

Long time chairman Mick Westerman resigned at the annual meeting to concentrate on new duties as a Keighley town councillor, though he will remain a BPA member. Mr Philip remained as treasurer, with Alec Brown elected as the new chairman and Maxine Snowball as secretary.

Mr Brown specialises in housing issues and is a leading light in Keighley Tenants Alliance and Bradford Tenants Federation. He is a member of the Community Trust that will take over the running of council houses next year.

Anyone willing to help with BPA activities should phone Mr Philip on 01535 607151 or the centre on 01535 610200.