Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother is captured on film during a wartime visit to the Keighley area.

This rare photograph was taken as she -- then Queen Elizabeth -- and her husband, King George VI, visited the Royal Ordnance Factory at Steeton.

Much of the detail of the visit -- in March 1942 -- was kept under wraps for security reasons and photographers were not allowed inside the building. As one worker at the factory -- which was known as "The Dump" -- recalled afterwards: "We knew someone important was coming as everywhere had to be spick and span, but we didn't realise it would be the King and Queen."

The Queen -- on her only ever engagement in this area -- toured the factory's 1,000-seater canteen and two surgeries and spoke to some of the staff. Local historian and Keighley News Memory Lane columnist Ian Dewhirst, who loaned us the photograph, said it was only after the war that the full extent of the Steeton factory's contribution to the effort was revealed.

Its workforce of over 4,000 produced 63 million shells and 120 million cases, among a total of 204 million munitions components.

Despite the veil of secrecy supposedly placed around the visit, word got around and people lined Keighley's streets to see the royal car as it passed through.

Memories of the visit were rekindled this week as tributes poured in for the Queen Mother, following her death at the weekend.

Yesterday a steady stream of people visited Keighley Information Centre to sign a book of condolence.

Menswear retailer Greenwoods is closing all its 107 outlets, including the shop in Low Street, Keighley, on Tuesday, the day of the Queen Mother's funeral, as a mark of respect.

Community tributes - special report page 4